Introducing our winners of
2025 Jr. Peace & Music Ambassador Competition
2025 Jr. Peace & Music Ambassador
Grand Prize - Maura Kahn Prize
Claire Chaewon Lee, violin
Claire Chaewon Lee began studying the violin at age 5 and was accepted into Juilliard Pre-College at age 11, where she currently studies with Elizabeth Chang.
Her recent honors include winning the NJIO Young Artist Concerto Competition and the Old York Road Symphony Young Artists Competition, with upcoming solo appearances with both orchestras this fall and next spring, in addition to her orchestral debut in Korea this summer.
Claire has received numerous awards including the Grand Prize at the Harmony for Peace Foundation Competition, Runner-Up (Alternate) at the Capital Philharmonic Youth Concerto Competition, and the Bronze Award at the Bravura Philharmonic Young Artists Concerto Competition. She has also earned top prizes in the Camerata Artists International Competition, New York Laureate International Music Competition, International Grande Music Competition, Opus Music Competition, VIVO International Competition, and Enkor International Competition, as well as an Honorable Mention in the MTNA New York State Junior Division.
Claire has performed at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, and Lincoln Center’s Bruno Walter Auditorium, and presented solo recitals at Juilliard Pre-College in 2025 and 2026. She currently serves as Concertmaster of the Spence Upper School Orchestra and has held principal positions in both the Juilliard Pre-College Symphony Orchestra and String Orchestra. She has participated in masterclasses with distinguished artists including Shunske Sato, Sylvia Danburg Volpe, and Kelly Hall-Tompkins.
Claire is also actively involved in music outreach initiatives. She is a co-founder of Melodia, a student-led organization supporting young musicians through access to musical resources and supplies. She is also an active member of Clexical, which promotes accessibility to contemporary classical music, and participates in outreach concerts at nursing and rehabilitation centers through the Enob Outreach Concert Series.
Outside of music, Claire enjoys math, writing, running, swimming, traveling, and photography.
Henna Lam, violin
First Prize, Strings, 11-14 Age Category
Henna Lam is currently a Fellow at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she studies violin with Zhao Wei.
An accomplished young violinist, Henna has earned numerous national and international awards. She has won first place in prestigious solo competitions including the U.S. International Music Competition (USIMC), Korean-American Music Supporters’ Association (KAMSA) Competition, Canadian International Music Competition, American Virtuosos Music Competition, Opus Music Foundation Competition, American Young Musician Award, and the European Odin International Music Competition. She was named a concerto winner with the California Youth Associate Symphony and was the runner-up in the Livermore-Amador Symphony Concerto Competition.
Henna has held leadership roles in several Bay Area youth orchestras. She currently serves as Concertmaster of the Youth Baroque Ensemble at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Previously, she was Concertmaster of the SFCM Orchestra, Second Violin Principal of the California Youth Symphony, Co-Concertmaster of the California Youth Associate Symphony, and Second Violin Principal of the California Youth Associate Symphony. She has also performed with the Orchestra Gradus ad Parnassum, Taichung Youth Orchestra, and the Taiwan Philharmonic.
Henna has received merit-based scholarships to attend distinguished summer programs such as the Heifetz International Music Institute and the Interlochen Advanced String Music Camp, and she was also accepted to the Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI) summer program. She has participated in masterclasses with renowned violinists An Vedi and Wanchi Huang.
Beyond her performance achievements, Henna is deeply committed to community engagement through music. She is the founder of Youth Tone, a community initiative through which she volunteers her time to coach and mentor teens in classical music.
Outside of music, Henna enjoys reading, swimming, badminton, traveling, and cooking.
Aavi Sircar, piano
First Prize, Piano, 11-14 Age Category
Aavi, age 13, is an eighth grader at Great Valley Middle School in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and currently studies under James Anemone.
Aavi is a pianist in the Chester County Youth Orchestra and a member of the Back to Bach Project for the Chester County region. He has been featured as a young virtuoso on Steinert & Sons Steinway Stories series and as a guest artist at the music salons of Philadelphia-based composer Andrea Clearfield and conductor Karl Middleman.
Aavi has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Academy of Music Ballroom in Philadelphia, Curtis Institute of Music, Sala dei Notari in Perugia, Italy and GC de Lijsterbes in Brussels. As a semifinalist of the 2026 London International Chopin Competition, Aavi has performed at the Polish Hearth Club (Ognisko Polskie) in London. He made his orchestral debut as a soloist at Perugia, Italy with the Europa Musica Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Marius Stravinsky in 2023, and since then has performed as a soloist with the Ambler Symphony Orchestra and the Old York Road Symphony Orchestra, both under Maestro Jack Moore.
Outside music, Aavi trains in martial arts since age of 5 and is a 2nd Dan (2nd degree Black Belt) in Taekwondo and is on track to be promoted to 3rd Dan in the summer of 2027. In addition, Aavi has represented his school twice in the Chester County Chapter of the MathCounts Competition.
Noelle Streuber-Eden, violin
First Prize, Strings, 15-18 Age Category
Noelle Streuber, 17-year-old violinist Noëlle Streuber-Eden’s performances have been described as virtuosic, inspired, and musically mature beyond her years. After her solo debut with the Lakeside Artists in 2021, her musical journey has taken her to the stages of New York’s Carnegie Hall, Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center, Andrea Clearfield’s renowned Philadelphia Szalon, Harpa/ Iceland, and cities in Germany.
Noëlle currently studies solo violin with Prof. Guillaume Combet in Philadelphia. She has worked in masterclasses, studios, and institutes with Almita Vamos, Ida Kavafian, Jennifer Koh, Desirée Ruhstrat, J Freivogel, Sibbi Bernhardsson, Peter Zazofsky, Jung-Min Amy Lee, Angela Sin Ying Chan, and Robert Chen.
Driven by her enthusiasm for collaborative music making, Noëlle has served as concertmaster, section leader, and soloist for the Youth Chamber Orchestra at Temple University’s Center for Gifted Young Musicians, the Lutheran Summer Music Festival Orchestra, the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra, and the Chicago Youth Symphony’s Philharmonic and Concert Orchestras. Freshly rostered for the National Youth Orchestra's 2026 season, her musical talent has most recently been recognized with the Bruce Montgomery Foundation for the Arts’ special Peter Benoliel & Willo Carey 2025 Springboard Grant and, for the fourth year in a row, the Advanced Study Scholarship at Philadelphia’s Settlement School.
Noëlle has earned recognition in notable competitions such as the 2025 Pennsylvania Opus Music Competition, Harmony For Peace Foundation’s 2025 Jr Peace and Music Ambassador Program and Competition for Strings, and the 2025 National YoungArts Competition. She lives in a Philadelphia suburb with her family and three cats—Edgar, Maxim, and Jascha—and enjoys music and neuroscience.
Karen Matsui, piano
First Prize, Piano, 15-18 Age Category
Karen Matsui is a Sophomore at Valley Christian High School and an Honor Fellow in Piano Performance at the Conservatory Program. Karen has won numerous top prizes in prestigious competitions, including the First Prizes in Marian Filice Piano Competition at Gavilan College (2025), the Pittsburgh International Performance Competition (2025), United States Open Music Competition (2022, 2024), and the New Star International Competition (2024). Other notable awards include the Carol Zeiter Piano Competition (2025), Flagstaff Piano Competition, Elevato, ENCORE, Music Teachers’ Association of California Solo Category (2024, 2025).
At her Valley Christian High School, Karen is the second year recipient of the “Think Music Award” scholarship. Karen attended the Tanglewood Institute Young Pianist Program in 2025.
Karen is also passionate about chamber music, regularly performs as a trio led to win the First Prize in US Open Music Competition (2024); also awarded First Prizes at the USIMC (2023) and the Santa Cruz Youth Chamber Music Competition (2023); and was invited to the Music For All National Chamber Music Festival (2023) in Indianapolis. Karen has privilege of being a member of the prestigious Young Chamber Musicians, Burlingame, CA.
As an avid improviser/composer since she was 7 years old, Karen’s original works have received numerous awards - Second Prize at Bay Area Creative Youth Awards (2025) and the Pacific Musical Society Composition Competition (2024). In addition, Karen performed at the Improvisation Honor’s Recital at the MTAC Annual Convention (2023, 2024). Karen’s original composition “Awakening” received Second Prize in the Golden Key Piano Composition Competition, and she was invited to perform at the World Composers Recital in Vienna (2024).
Karen is interested in forensic science, enjoys forensic novels, and spends time caring for her five cats and several foster cats awaiting adoption.
Liam Thomas, violin
Runner-up, Strings, 11-14 Age Category
Liam Thomas is a 13 year old violinist from Southern California and he is a student of Ms. Joan Kwuon at the Colburn School. He began formal violin lessons at two-and-a-half years old with Cecilia Coo, who markedly influenced his understanding of music, love of performing and the beauty of sharing music with people. Subsequently, Liam was admitted to the Colburn School in Los Angeles where he initially studied with Aimee Kreston and is continuing his studies with Joan Kwuon and also being mentored by Miclen LaiPang.
Liam was a semifinalist in the 2026 Sphinx Competition. He has performed as a soloist with the Southern California Philharmonic Orchestra (as the 1st Prize concerto competition winner), the Los Angeles Youth Philharmonic and the Loma Linda University Church Sanctuary Orchestra. As a dedicated and passionate solo musician, he has received First Prize in many competitions (Parness Concerto Competition, American Virtuoso International Music Competition, Bellagrande Competition, Vienna Grand Prize Virtuoso competition, Cal-ASTA Los Angeles, San Francisco International Young Artist competition among others) and had the privilege of performing in masterclasses for renowned violinists, such as Sergiu Schwartz, Philippe Quint, Igor Petrushevski, Martin Beaver, Ayke Agus, Danielle Belen and Martin Chalifour.
As a chamber musician, Liam is the violinist of award-winning Trio D’Amici established at the Colburn School and coached by Moni Simeonov and Ivana Malo. The trio has performed in masterclasses for Julio Elizalde in TonicCon, Jonathan Brown, and Jean-Yves Thibaudet and has been selected as semifinalists for the 2026 Coltman chamber competition.
Liam aspires to become a concert violinist and composer. He hopes that his music can bring beauty and a message of unity to the world.
Hingto Tang, piano
Runner-up, Piano, 11-14 Age Category
HIngto plays both piano and violin and is currently a third-year student at Salesian International Junior High School, also studies in the Tokyo International Music School Youth Orchestra.
Hingto has performed in a wide range of concerts and cultural events, including Kids FUN Music Festa, Atami Memories Music Festival, the Diners Club Artist Support Special Program 12th Anniversary Concert at Suntory Hall, Painting Music Tokyo: “Carnival of the Animals”, and the 10th Anniversary Ceremony of the Japan–China Women’s Federation. He was also selected to perform at Christmas Advent in Ueno Park 2025, a seasonal cultural event in Tokyo.
In addition to concert performances, Hingto is deeply committed to music volunteer activities. He regularly performs at senior care facilities in Minato City and at the Minato City Mental Health Support Center. He also participated in a charity concert in Atami supporting recovery efforts following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
He took part in the Orange Ribbon Child Abuse Prevention Campaign in Minato City, Tokyo, contributing to a public awareness initiative through music and recorded messages.
Alongside his musical pursuits, Hingto has trained in karate since early childhood, now holds Japan Karate Association–certified black belt (1st Dan). In 2025, he represented Tokyo at the 67th National Elementary and Junior High School Karate Championship, demonstrating the results of his daily training on a national stage. Through both music and karate, he continues to cultivate concentration, discipline, respect, and mental strength.
Kanno Yasuzuka, violin
Runner-up, Strings, 15-18 Age Category
Kannon Yasuzuka is a first-year student at Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo.
Honored as a certified Mecenat Student of the Trio Group. In 2023, Kannon received the First place at The North International Music Competition. She is also a recipient of the Special Venue Music Award "Rising Star Media Award" at Carnegie Hall as well as the "Maple Award" from the Hiroshima Prefectural Board of Education and the "Hatsukaichi Sakura Award" from Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima.
Yuvraj Kokkili, piano
Runner-up, Piano, 15 - 18 Age Category
K Yuvraj Kokkili is a Mumbai-based pianist who began his musical journey at the age of five and has spent over a decade developing his artistry as a performer, composer, and improviser. Trained in Western classical piano, Yuvraj has consistently demonstrated academic and performance excellence through the London College of Music (LCM), achieving high distinctions across graded and diploma examinations.
Yuvraj has presented numerous solo recitals at leading venues including St. Andrew’s Auditorium, NCPA (Experimental Theatre and Little Theatre), Yamaha Music Square, Kawai Theme Piano World, and school and institutional concert series. His repertoire spans virtuosic Western classical works such as Mendelssohn’s Rondo Capriccioso and Liszt’s La Campanella, alongside original compositions and Indian-fusion improvisations. His original works include “Gurus of Life” and the official Music Fest Anthem, which he composed and produced following completion of an AI music bootcamp conducted by The Times of India. In 2025, he also composed the Anthem of Gratitude for Grandparents. He received international recognition from the iconic composer Jesús Molina, who featured Yuvraj’s Indian-fusion improvisation of Departing on his global social media platforms. He has participated in advanced masterclasses with Andreas König, Dr. Adam Greig, Prof. Marouan Benabdallah, David Hicken, Neil Mukherjee, and Clinton Cerejo.
Yuvraj earned top honors at the David Hicken International Piano Competition in Bangkok, securing the highest worldwide score for Incantation by David Hicken and winning Third Prize. He has also been recognized at the Brillante Piano Competition and the ConBrio Shorts Competition. In India, he has won multiple First Prizes at RBK Music Fest, was adjudged among the Top 3 pianists in ConBrio shorts contest and received awards for excellence from leading celebrities of the Indian film and music industry, including Anurag Basu and Gulraj Singh, Pritam, and T-Series, for his innovative improvisational work.
Yuvraj has been invited to perform at the Kidz4Kidz Global Fundraising Concert for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024), reflecting his sustained contribution to international philanthropic music initiatives by representing India at a Global level.
Outside the concert stage, Yuvraj continues to expand his artistic horizons through composition, technology-driven music projects, and regular performances, engaging audiences worldwide through digital platforms while pursuing advanced musical training.
Cory Tsai, vocal and piano
Special Jury Prize, 11 - 14 Age Category
Cory Tsai is actively pursuing vocal and choral training through his involvement with the Ragazzi Boys Chorus - Concert Group and the San Francisco Children’s Musical Theatre.
Motivated by emotions of love, acceptance, and the desire to foster connections that transcend borders, Cory channeled his passion into composing a lyrical piece entitled “Let Peace Grow Strong in Us All.” Through this song, he strives to spread hope, joy, and peace. The piece has been published on YouTube, featured on J.W. Pepper’s My Score, and included in the official Reymontowka camp curriculum.
Beyond his dedication to piano and vocal studies, Cory devotes significant effort to charitable initiatives, focusing on raising awareness of the devastating consequences of war. He advocates for the healing power of music to mend broken hearts and emphasizes the importance of kindness in the process of building peace.
Currently, Cory is recording and reflecting on a transformative volunteering experience, where he built meaningful connections with Polish and Ukrainian children. Through conducting interviews and interacting with individuals affected by war, Cory seeks to inspire others to extend help and compassion. His interview project earned him the Junior Anthropologist Award from the American Anthropological Association.
Cyrano Rosentrater, violin
Special Jury Prize, 15 - 18 Age Category
Cyrano Rosentrater, 18, is a Philadelphia native and currently studies at The Julliard School in New York dedicated to creating authentic musical experiences. A Primavera Artist (’20-’24), Cyrano has earned grants like the Marian Anderson Young Artists’ Grant (’18), SPHINX MPower Grant (’22, ’24), and the Bruce Montgomery Benoliel-Carey Grant (’24).
He has performed in masterclasses with Hilary Hahn, David Kim, Jessie Montgomery, and Melissa White, among others, and attended prestigious programs such as the Sphinx Performance Academy at Juilliard and Curtis, Tanglewood, and Interlochen. A violinist of 13 years, he studies with Kimberly Fisher (Philadelphia Orchestra). His accolades include YoungArts Winner (’25), MTNA PA Senior Strings Winner (’24), and Sphinx Competition Semifinalist (’24). He has served as concertmaster for ensembles like the Philadelphia All-City Orchestra and Juilliard Sphinx Academy Chamber Orchestra. Cyrano is a concertmaster of the National Pathways Festival Orchestra (’25) and was a 1st violinist of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra.
Cyrano began composing at eight, he has studied composition with Dr. Thomas Weaver (Curtis Institute). He has earned honors, the National Young Composers’ Challenge Winner (’24), ASCAP Morton Gould Finalist, and Tanglewood Fanfare Call for Scores Winner (’23). His works have won awards from the MTNA National Senior Composition Competition, PMTA Keystone Composition Competition and JW Pepper ISME International Composer Competition.
Cyrano is a pianist of 12 years under Dr. Ariane Alexander and was a vocalist in his school choir. As Musical Director of Masterman’s Sweet Sixteen, he highlights his arranging skills. Outside music, Cyrano is a Scholastic Silver Key poet, National Spanish Exam medalist, and recipient of his school’s Music and Spanish Department awards. Grateful to his mentors, he remains committed to “reaching the unreachable stars.”