🎹 A Proud Moment at the Southern Regional Concerto Competition 🎶

Our proud moment

Last Saturday, my student and I had the honor of participating in the Southern Regional Concerto Competition, organized by CAPMT.

It was an inspiring event where young musicians from across San Diego performed concertos with passion, confidence, and remarkable artistry. Each performance reflected dedication and love for music, creating an atmosphere filled with energy, joy, and inspiration.

The competition was evaluated by two extraordinary educators whose experience and insight made this event especially meaningful.

Dr. Angela Yeung, an Associate Professor of Music at the University of San Diego and Artistic Director of the Greater San Diego Music Coterie, is an internationally acclaimed cellist and conductor. She leads the Greater San Diego Chamber Orchestra and Chorus and has performed in major venues across five continents. Dr. Yeung has given masterclasses worldwide, including at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, the Vacell String Academy in South Korea, and the Conservatoriums of Music in Sydney and Melbourne. With a PhD in Music Theory from Columbia University, she continues to inspire generations of musicians with her artistry and leadership.

Mia is the youngest competitor

Alongside her was Robert Gilson, the Music Director of the San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra and Conductor of the CYO Symphony Orchestra, whose nearly 40 years of dedication to music education have shaped countless young musicians. He co-founded the North County Civic Youth Orchestra in 1986 and has guided his students to perform at Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall, as well as on international tours across Europe, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand. A Professor Emeritus of Music at Palomar College, Mr. Gilson has conducted more than 125 performances of The Nutcracker Ballet and holds a Master’s Degree with Distinction from the Indiana University School of Music. His lifelong devotion to mentoring young artists continues to elevate the San Diego music community.

Under the thoughtful evaluation of these distinguished adjudicators, my student Mia Zhang gave an incredible performance. At just six years old, she was the youngest participant in the competition and earned Third Prize, performing Concerto No. 2, Third Movement by Berkovich. Competing alongside nine-year-olds, Mia demonstrated extraordinary focus, artistry, and maturity beyond her years.

This was her first in-person competition, and I am beyond proud of her accomplishment. Her enthusiasm for music, her discipline in practice, and her joyful energy shine through every note she plays. I believe this is only the beginning of her bright musical journey.

Making music happily together

A heartfelt thank-you to her wonderful parents, Jiabao and Yuanfei, for their unwavering support, encouragement, and collaboration. None of this would have been possible without their trust and commitment.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Magdolna Bornemisza, the Chair of the Concerto Competition, and Ravena Asuncion, the Co-Chair, for their outstanding organization, professionalism, and tireless efforts in making this event such a success. Their dedication ensures that young musicians like Mia have a platform to grow, share, and shine.

🎥 Enjoy the video of Mia’s performance below — a beautiful reminder of what dedication, inspiration, and the power of music can achieve.

Mia's performance at the Concerto Competition