Concert Star LLC celebrated emerging international musicians and cross-cultural collaboration at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. The event highlighted artistic excellence, global friendship, and a forward-looking vision for 2026.
(Isstories Editorial):- New York City, New York Oct 21, 2025 (Issuewire.com) – The grandeur of Carnegie Hall once again witnessed a night of breathtaking artistry and cultural connection as the 2nd Concert Star International Classical Music Competition Winners’ Award Ceremony took place at the Weill Recital Hall on October 5, 2025. The event marked the conclusion of a ten-day celebration of global talent, where young musicians from across continents gathered to share their passion for classical music and perform on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
More on Isstories:
- Aeromed Group Names Wren Mitchell Vice President, People – Culture to Lead Global Workforce Strategy
- CTV Media Unveils ENGAGE 4U AI Platform: Unifies Video Ads – Maximizes Campaign Results
- When Text Meets Music: Tradition and Musical Nationalism in Chinese Songs
- Former Emmerdale Actor Daniel Coll Returns to the Stage in “Fishlake”
- MoviesBox Global Limited Officially Registered in the UK, Expanding Its Free HD Streaming Platform Worldwide
Organized by Concert Star LLC, the competition aims to foster international collaboration, artistic growth, and educational exchange among emerging classical musicians. This year’s edition drew an unprecedented number of participants from the United States, China, South Korea, and Europe, performing in four age categories–each bringing unique musical insight and cultural flavor.
A Celebration of Artistic Youth
The concert opened with Group 1 (ages 5-11), showcasing the limitless promise of early musical education. Pianist Janet Zhang delivered Clementi’s Sonatina in C Major, Op. 36 No. 3 with remarkable clarity, while Yihan Hu charmed the audience with Tchaikovsky’s Waltz, Op. 39 No. 8. Their disciplined yet joyful interpretations set a radiant tone for the evening.
Group 2 (ages 12-18) presented a vibrant mix of expressive young talents. Violinist Kayneesa Coats offered an emotionally rich performance of Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, accompanied by Mingfu Han on piano, while Kaitlyn Jeeyul Seo brought power and lyricism to Lalo’s Cello Concerto in D Minor. Pianists Rihye Kim, Ethan Park, and Ruoshui Zhang followed with works by Brahms, Sarasate, and Rachmaninoff–each revealing individuality and interpretive depth.
In Group 3 (Ages 19-26), professionalism and maturity shone through. Violinist Bobby Kostadinov dazzled with Dinicu’s Hora Staccato, while cellist Yichen Zhou offered Bach’s Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major with introspective beauty. Pianists Dutch Dodge, Zhengyu Huang, Yaxuan Gong, and Hanrui Ma filled the hall with passion and precision through works by Liszt, Brahms, and Beethoven.
Group 4 (Ages 26 and above) concluded the competition with poise and depth. Violinist Junhao Li delivered a commanding interpretation of Hindemith’s Sonata Op. 25 No. 4, while pianists Yihao Zhang, Eunbin Park, Wing Sze Chan, and Xinyi Guo offered exquisite contrasts through Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 48 No. 1, Liszt’s Grandes Études de Paganini, and contemporary Chinese works such as Jasmine Flower · Love of the Hometown. The finale, Hainan Xu performing Schumann/Liszt’s Widmung, brought the audience to their feet in a standing ovation.
Honoring the Spirit of Collaboration
A special highlight of the evening was the Judge Showcase, transforming the concert from a competition into a true celebration of shared artistry. Esteemed jury members Seongwoo Jeong, Xiaohui Yan, Xinyue Gu, Yaqi Wang, and Yuanyuan Liu performed works by Schumann, Bach, and Emile Naoumoff, alongside Dr. Wang’s own Song of Qinghuai River, symbolizing Concert Star’s dedication to storytelling through music.
The jury was chaired by Professor Chi Ho Han from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, who noted, “Competitions like this one are not about rivalry but about community, inspiration, and growth.”
Among the distinguished guests was Dr. Jim H. Lee, president of the US-China People’s Friendship Association (New Jersey Chapter), who presented an Outstanding Organization Honor to Concert Star LLC, accepted on behalf of the organization by its founder, Dr. Yaqi Wang. Their presence underscored the competition’s growing role in fostering cross-cultural friendship and global artistic excellence.
Also attending were representatives from the Chinese Consulate in New York and leadership from the Berklee College of Music, reinforcing the competition’s role as a cultural and diplomatic bridge between East and West.
Beyond the Stage: Dialogue and Discovery
After the Carnegie Hall concert, a post-concert symposium at Columbia University on Oct 6th brought together judges, faculty, and performers for an engaging discussion on the future of classical music education, artistic identity, and intercultural collaboration. This academic dialogue highlighted Concert Star’s mission to blend high-level performance with meaningful global conversation.
Behind the success of the event stood a team of dedicated organizers, educators, and volunteers whose tireless work ensured a seamless experience for all participants. The professionalism and spirit of collaboration behind the scenes mirrored the harmony celebrated on stage.
A Vision for the Future
Concert Star LLC has rapidly established itself as one of the most dynamic organizations connecting young musicians across continents. Founded by Dr. Yaqi Wang, the company’s mission extends beyond performance to education, mentorship, and cultural exchange.
Looking ahead to 2026, Concert Star will continue its International Artist Development Programs, including the Los Angeles Grammy-nominated Artist Concert Series and new global youth exchange initiatives designed to empower the next generation of classical musicians.
“Every note performed on the Carnegie Hall stage carries a story of dedication, courage, and hope,” said Dr. Wang. “Our vision is to help young musicians turn those stories into lifelong artistic journeys that inspire audiences worldwide.”
From the first gentle sonatina to the thunderous Liszt études, the Concert Star International Classical Music Competition reaffirmed that classical music remains alive, evolving, and uniting people across cultures through beauty and discipline.
As the lights dimmed in Carnegie Hall that evening, the air resonated with applause, gratitude, and anticipation–not just for the end of a concert, but for the beginning of countless new artistic journeys.
About Concert Star LLC:
Founded by Dr. Yaqi Wang, Concert Star LLC is a New York-based organization dedicated to empowering young musicians and promoting cross-cultural exchange through performance, competition, and education. Its mission is to connect global audiences with emerging talent and to bridge Eastern and Western artistic traditions through music.
Media Contact:
Concert Star LLC
Attn: Dr. Yaqi Wang, Founder & Artistic Director
New York, NY, USA
[email protected]
www.concertstar.org
This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
