Paul and Loti Christensen
Young Artist Competition
The Value of Competition
Musical competitions provide clear goals, deadlines, and high artistic standards. These structures help young musicians develop habits that serve them throughout their education and careers.
Through the preparation process, competitors learn to:
Set long-term artistic goals and create a disciplined preparation plan
Study a major work with depth, patience, and attention to detail
Perform confidently in high-pressure settings
Receive and apply feedback from respected professionals
Recover from mistakes and respond constructively to challenges
Listen to and learn from other accomplished young musicians
Present themselves with maturity, poise, and professionalism
Communicate with an audience through an individual musical voice
The greatest value of competition is not limited to a prize or placement. It lies in the growth that occurs through preparation, performance, reflection, and connection.
Every participant leaves with greater experience. Many leave with new confidence, stronger artistic direction, and a clearer understanding of what they are capable of achieving.
How to Apply
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Applications for the 2026 competition are now closed, please check back for details on how to apply for next year’s competition.
A Foundation for What Comes Next
The Paul and Loti Christensen Young Artist Competition is more than a single performance or award. It is an important step in a young musician’s artistic, academic, and professional journey.
Preparing for a major competition asks young artists to engage deeply with a significant work, refine their technique, strengthen their musical interpretation, and develop the focus required to perform under pressure. The process requires discipline and persistence, but it also encourages musicians to discover and trust their own artistic voices.
For many participants, the competition is an early opportunity to perform before a distinguished jury and a live audience. Gold Medalists also gain the invaluable experience of appearing as featured soloists with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Salvador Brotons.
These experiences can build confidence, inspire new goals, and help young artists prepare for conservatory study, auditions, future competitions, and professional performance opportunities. Just as importantly, the competition offers a welcoming environment in which young musicians can take artistic risks, learn from their peers, and experience the joy of sharing music with a community.
The accomplishments of our alumni demonstrate how this formative experience continues to resonate long after the final round.
Flute | 2021 Finalist
Nikka Gershman is a flutist, composer, and touring soloist committed to expanding the repertoire of the flute. She became the youngest musician admitted as a Kovner Fellow to The Juilliard School, where she continues her studies. Her original compositions have been professionally published, and her performances and digital work have reached audiences around the world.
For Gershman, winning the competition provided a significant early professional milestone.
“After winning the Gold Medal, it was my first time performing as a soloist with a high-level orchestra. I will always remember it fondly.”
She credits the VSO with providing encouragement at an important point in her development.
“I am forever grateful to the VSO for a unique opportunity and for believing in me when I most needed it. You gave me musical wings!”
Her advice to young musicians is to prioritize authenticity over expectation:
“Play from the heart, not what you think the judges want to hear. In reality, they are interested in your unique voice.”
Esme Arias-Kim
Violin | 2023 Finalist
Violinist Esme Arias-Kim is pursuing a Bachelor of Music at the Colburn Conservatory of Music, where she studies with Robert Lipsett. She continues to perform in recitals and award-winner programs while exploring music alongside other artistic disciplines.
Arias-Kim describes the preparation itself as one of the competition’s most meaningful benefits.
“Having the opportunity to explore a musical work and prepare it for the competition was a very enriching process, and meeting and hearing feedback from the jury was very helpful.”
Performing Chausson’s Poème with the VSO fulfilled a longtime artistic goal.
“Getting to perform it with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Salvador Brotons was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my musical journey. I couldn’t have imagined a more inspiring collaboration.”
She encourages young musicians to build full and meaningful lives beyond the practice room:
“Taking the time to experience and fulfill your other interests and needs will only make your music better. Spending time doing things we love and with people we love changes us and brings meaning to our art form and craft.”
Hanami Froom
Violin | 2017 and 2020 Finalist
Hanami Froom studies at the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings with Robert McDuffie, David Kim, and Amy Schwartz Moretti. She has continued to pursue advanced training and has been selected for prestigious fellowship opportunities, including participation in a major summer music festival.
Froom competed in the Young Artist Competition twice and later performed with the VSO in a livestreamed concert.
“It helped me learn so much, both as a musician and as a person. I still had an amazing time, and I’m so grateful.”
Her advice reflects the balance of discipline and joy that is central to the competition experience:
“Work hard and enjoy every moment of the process!”
Mio Imai
Violin | 2024 Finalist
Violinist Mio Imai continues to appear as a concerto soloist with orchestras and music festivals. Her recent and upcoming engagements include performances of major works by Barber and Sibelius.
Imai says that performing in two Young Artist Showcase concerts gave her valuable experience and renewed artistic motivation.
“Performing in two back-to-back Young Artist Showcase concerts was a wonderful opportunity for me as a soloist. The warm compliments from audience members, professional orchestra musicians, and the conductor motivated me to make music that touches the audience’s heart.”
She encourages competitors to approach the final round not as an examination, but as an opportunity to communicate.
“This competition has a very warm atmosphere and is very supportive of young musicians. Treat the competition like a concert. Play for the audience and share the music with them.”
Wilson Liu
Piano | 2025 Finalist
Pianist Wilson Liu studies in The Juilliard School Pre-College Division and has advanced to major national and international piano competitions. He continues to build his performance experience through daily practice, public appearances, and the study of a wide range of musical styles.
As one of the competition’s youngest finalists, Liu found that succeeding alongside older musicians strengthened his confidence.
“Winning among such strong competitors was both encouraging and inspiring. This experience gave me great confidence to pursue more cross-age and mixed-age competitions in the future.”
He advises young musicians to remain focused on communication and individuality:
“Stay true to your own musical voice. Focus on musical expression rather than just technical perfection.”
Liu also encourages competitors to reframe the experience:
“Treat the competition as a performance rather than a test. This mindset really helps bring out your best playing.”
He remembers the VSO competition as both rigorous and welcoming:
“The organizers and the audience are incredibly warm and welcoming- you’re going to love it.”
A Lasting Community
Young Artist Competition alumni have continued their studies at leading conservatories and music schools, performed with orchestras and festivals, entered major international competitions, developed new repertoire, and built careers as performers, composers, educators, and arts advocates.
Their journeys reflect the purpose of the Paul and Loti Christensen Young Artist Competition: to recognize exceptional young musicians while giving them the preparation, encouragement, and opportunity needed to take their next steps.
The VSO is proud to remain connected with its alumni and to celebrate the many ways they continue to enrich the world through music.