Grand Prize, First Prize, and New York: The Remarkable Season of Jacob Wu

Jacob Wu

I am overjoyed to share the extraordinary news that my talented student, Jacob Wu, has once again taken the international stage by storm. At the prestigious International Youth Music Composition Competition, Jacob’s artistry shone brighter than ever. He was awarded First Prize in the Chamber Music category for his exquisite composition for saxophone and piano "Turbulence"— a piece that breathed with warmth, elegance, and a dialogue so intimate between the instruments that it speaking directly to the soul.

Gyuli Kambarova & Jacob Wu

But the story does not end there. Jacob also received the Grand Prize in the Orchestral Work category for his remarkable composition Labyrinth. This was no ordinary work — it was a journey. With every passage, Labyrinth drew listeners deeper into a world of intricate pathways and unexpected turns, where each note carried both mystery and beauty. The music unfolded like a dream, revealing colors and textures that seemed to come from a place far beyond the notes on the page.

Jacob's Diploma

The competition itself was a gathering of the world’s finest young composers, with participants from Canada, China, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Poland, Thailand, Turkey, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. To stand out among such a dazzling array of talent is no small feat — and Jacob did not just stand out; he stood at the very top.

This is not the first time Jacob’s brilliance has been recognized. He previously earned First Prize at the prestigious Prokofiev Competition in Russia, and last summer he was invited to a major

music convention in Los Angeles.

His work was met with admiration from seasoned

professionals and fellow musicians alike.

Each new success seems to add another chapter to a story that is still just beginning.

The judges spoke of his refined technique, his deep and natural musicality, and his meticulous attention to detail. They praised his rare gift — the ability to unite technical mastery with an emotional voice that touches the heart. For a composer so young, this is nothing short of extraordinary.

And now, another honor awaits him. Jacob has been invited to perform at the Prize Winners Recital on August 30th at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York — a stage that has welcomed some of the world’s most distinguished musicians.

Jacob's Diploma

This will be yet another moment for him to share his artistry with an audience who will no doubt be captivated by his  music.

For Jacob, these prizes are more than awards; they are open doors to new opportunities and to a wider world of creation and performance. For me, as his teacher, they are a reminder of why I love what I do — to watch a gifted soul grow, to help nurture his voice, and to see him step confidently onto the global stage.

Congratulations, Jacob. This is only the beginning. The world is waiting to hear your next masterpiece.

International Youth Music Competitions