Introducing our new winners of
2024 Jr. Peace & Music Ambassador Competition
2024 Jr. Peace & Music Ambassador
Grand Prize
Elliot Gulacsi Anderson, violin
Elliot, a ninth-grader at Friends Select School in Philadelphia, is a violinist studying under Juliette Kang, First Associate Concertmaster of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and Ryan Meehan of the Calidore String Quartet. A member of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute since 2019, he currently serves as concertmaster of the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra. Elliot made his debut at the Kimmel Center in 2024, performing Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso as the Tenth Annual PYAO Solo Competition winner. He also participates in Temple University's Center for Gifted Young Musicians and is a member of the Trowbridge Advanced Study String Quartet at Settlement Music School, where he has been a scholarship recipient since age 9.
Elliot won top prizes in competitions such as the Irving Ludwig Symphony Concerto Competition, the Bucks County Youth Concerto Competition and the Harmony For Peace Music Competition. He participated in summer music programs at the Philadelphia International Music Festival, Heifetz International Music Institute, and Center Stage Strings. Beyond music, Elliot enjoys hiking, baking, and building model cars.
Julie Chen, cello
First Prize, Strings, 11-14 Age Category
Julie Chen, age 14, is a freshman at Conestoga High School in Pennsylvania. She began cello at age 8 and currently studies with Gloria de Pasquale. She also studies cello with Clancy Newman and Dominique de Williencourt. She previously studied with Hai-Ye Ni, the principal cellist of The Philadelphia Orchestra. She has attended Meadowmount for two years in Prof. Hans Jensen’s studio. She also studies piano with Natalie Zhu. She has attended master classes with cellists Wei Liu Denton, Marcy Rosen, and the Dover Quartet. Julie was chosen as a finalist for From the Top and is eligible for the Learning and Media Lab Fellowship, which includes a recording.
She received a full scholarship for the Advanced Study Ensemble program at Settlement Music School. She is a cellist in the Youth Chamber Orchestra at Temple Music Prep, was the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra (PYAO) for the 2023-2024 season, and was the principal cellist of PRYSM Strings of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra from 2021-2023. Julie won first place in the Pennsylvania Music Teachers’ Association competition in November 2024. Julie is a winner of the Irving Ludwig Youth Competition in October 2024 and the Old York Road Symphony Orchestra Young Artist competition in April 2024, and will perform in spring 2025 with the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra and Old York Road Symphony Orchestra. She won 1st place in the Tri-County Music Festival competition junior strings division in 2023 and 1st place in the senior ensemble division in 2024, and performed in the winners’ concert both years. Julie won 1st place in American Protégé concerto competition with the Judges Distinction Award in 2023. She won 1st place in the 11-13 division and overall runner-up in the Philadelphia International Music Festival’s (PIMF) summer camp concerto competition in 2022 which earned her a spot in the Winners Circle Concert in March 2023 with the Philadelphia Orchestra members.
Her other interests include drawing, dancing, singing, playing the piano, and swimming. She is in the gifted program at her school which includes a writing seminar.
Alejandro Wu-Mula, piano
First Prize, Piano, 11-14 Age Category
Currently Alejandro plays piano in PYO (Philadelphia Youth Orchestra). He began piano at the age of five, received the 1st place awards in various competitions. Performed at Lincoln center, Kaufman Music Center, and Steinway music hall.
Cyrano Jett Rosentrater, violin
First Prize, Strings, 15-18 Age Category
Cyrano Rosentrater, 17, is a Philadelphia native and Julia R. Masterman School student 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 a 1st violinist of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra.
Cyrano began composing at eight, he presently studies 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 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.”
Alison Wu, piano
First Prize, Piano, 15-18 Age Category
Alice Wu, age 17, is an 11th grade student at the Episcopal Academy. She has been playing the piano since she was six years old and currently studies with Igor Resnianski at West Chester University. She has received awards in the Charleston International Music Competition, Tri-County Concerts Association Annual Youth Festival, Crescendo International Music Competition, Triumph Music Festival, and at her school, the Dora Khayatt Music Competition. Outside of music, Alice enjoys science, reading, and rowing on her school’s crew team
Channa Chilan Lee, violin
Second Prize, Strings, 11-14 Age Category
Channa Lee is currently a sixth grade student at Black Rock Middle School.
Channa began playing the violin at the age of four and within a year, she performed Hungarian dance at the Mann Music Center for the Summer Rising Star Concert. Under the guidance of her teacher, Ms. Yayoi Numazawa from the Philadelphia Orchestra, Channa‘s love and prowess for the violin grew quickly.
At age five, Channa went on to be selected for the PBS Celebration Producer Choice Award and perform the Accolay Concerto in A minor. Channa has performed for the Triumph Festival at the Academy and for the Elite International Competition at Carnegie Hall on multiple occasions. At age nine, Channa was awarded as a soloist for the Warminster Symphony Orchestra.
When not on stage, she shares her passion for music by performing for the elderly at nursing homes across the Main Line.
Besides playing the violin, she enjoys playing the piano, reading, and creating artwork.
Mirei Okita, piano
Second Prize, Piano, 11-14 Age Category
Born in 2013 in Los Angeles, Mirei Okita is an 11-year-old pianist, artist, and environmental advocate. As a 6th grader at Nishimachi International School in Tokyo, she began playing the piano at three and has since achieved numerous accolades, including performances at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall. Her awards include 1st place and the Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards, 2nd place with Special Awards at the Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition, and 1st place in the 2024 Romantic Music Competition at the Charleston International Music Competition.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Mirei is the founder of Dream Builders, an environmental team that has evolved into a global network of young changemakers. Under her leadership, the team has initiated impactful projects, including educational eco-workshops and fundraising efforts that have provided water purifiers capable of cleaning over 1 million liters of water in Africa through UNICEF. Mirei also created EcoCharms, a jewelry brand that upcycles PET bottle caps into sustainable accessories. Proceeds from EcoCharms support environmental causes and programs for underprivileged children, combining Mirei’s creativity with her commitment to making a difference.
Believing in the power of music and art to inspire change, Mirei’s work reflects her vision of global unity and environmental stewardship. She has collaborated with organizations such as Earth Day Tokyo and NASA eClips, using her platform to address critical issues like climate change while fostering hope, solidarity, and a sense of shared responsibility among future generations.
Katelyn Pei, piano
Second Prize, Piano, 15-18 Age Category
Katelyn is a 15-year-old pianist whose early love for the piano has developed into a meaningful musical journey. She has performed three times at Carnegie Hall, including in the Stern Auditorium, as well as at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Her dedication to music has been recognized with awards in multiple intenational piano competitions.
A MENSA member since age 6, Katelyn’s curiosity has reached beyond music. A polyglot in 6 languages, she draws inspiration from the diverse cultures she has experienced. Having lived abroad for five years, she treasures the beauty of cultural connection, which continues to influence her artistic approach. For her, the piano is more than an instrument—it is a universal language that transcends borders, uniting people and speaking directly to the heart, no matter where they are from.
In her free time, Katelyn enjoys exploring literature, swimming, and savoring a perfect cup of Baobab tea (preferably without spilling it on her sheet music).
Kai Freeman, violin
Second Prize, Strings, 15 - 18 Age Category
Kai Freeman is a 17-year-old violinist from Haddonfield, NJ. He is currently the Associate Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and performs in the Braverman String Quartet as a scholarship recipient in the Settlement Music School’s Advanced Study Program.
This season Kai will perform as soloist with the Roxborough Orchestra and the Mainline Symphony. In the past seasons, he has appeared as soloist with Ambler Symphony, Delaware County Symphony, Old York Road Symphony, Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra, Rowan University’s String Ensemble and Warminster Symphony.
In December 2024, Kai was selected as the only high school student to participate in the New York String Orchestra Seminar and performed at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Jaime Laredo. In the past summers, Kai participated in the Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra in Switzerland, Carnegie Hall’s NYO2 program, Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute, Heifetz Program for Exceptionally Gifted, the Mann Center’s All City Orchestra Summer Academy, Point Counterpoint, the Philadelphia International Music Festival, and the inaugural Suzuki Conventions of the Americas in Cancun, Mexico.
Kai began playing the violin at the age of four under Gerry Rice and currently studies with Amy Oshiro-Morales of The Philadelphia Orchestra. He has also studied with J Freivogel of the Jasper String Quartet and Francesca de Pasquale. Aside from playing the violin, Kai plays trumpet, and enjoys reading and watching movies.
Krystian Rzeczycki, violin
Third Prize, Strings, 11 - 14 Age Category
Krystian Rzeczycki presently resides in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He began playing the piano at eleven years old after being inspired by a performance of Chopin's Op. 25 No. 11 on a TV show.
Since then, Krystian avidly studied the piano under the guidance of Esma Pasic-Filipovic. particularly enjoys Impressionist music. He favors composers, Liszt, Fauré, and Ravel.
Krystian feels passionate towards music that has an ability to connect people. He has many Polish relatives who do not speak English, but he is able to bond with them through music.
Apart from music Krystian plays soccer and lacrosse.
Andres Ramos, harp
Third Prize, Strings, 15 - 18 Age Category
Andres Ramos is 16 years old, an 11th grade student attending Archmere Academy. He has been under the professional tutelage of renown harpist Ms. Mindy Cutcher, an alumni of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Although he began with classical guitar studies at 10 years old, he quickly added harp to his repertoire which has become his staple. He earned the highest level of “Distinction” from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music for achievements on the harp. Domestically he has earned 3rd, 2nd and 1st place from the American Harp Society (Philadelphia Chapter at Temple University) Biennial Competition in 2019, 2021, 2023. Andres also won a music scholarship from Coastal Concerts of Lewes, Delaware. He later donated his awarded funds to the Helena Raskob Art Institute (HRAI) at Archmere Academy. To expand his harp studies globally, Andres took masterclasses with World Harp Congress member, Italian harpist Maestro Antonio Ostuni in Lugano, Switzerland. Andres was selected to participate in the prestigious Triennial Camac International Harp Competition in Szeged, Hungary where he competed in the final round. Most memorably, Andres was invited to perform in a special concert in Rogaska, Slovenia for members of the Slovenian Consulate General Kranj and the Embassy of Ukraine.
He continues to be an active member of the HRAI and volunteers to perform for various non-profits. Outside of music, Andres is an active USTA Junior Team Tennis member. He assisted his team in winning the DE Junior District championship 2023 & 2024. He is also a proud member of the boys Varsity Tennis Team at Archmere Academy where he reached the DE State semi-finals in 2024. He has an affinity for world history, functions of global governments, photography, and hopes to study International Relations in college.
Valentina Ramos, piano
Third Prize, Piano, 15 - 18 Age Category
Valentina Ramos is 15 years old, currently attending 11th grade at Archmere Academy in Delaware. She began piano studies at 8 years old and quickly expanded to mastering the concert pedal harp. She has been under the careful guidance of pianist Natalia Varlashova, a graduate of the Irkutsk State Pedagogical University and former piano instructor at the Boyer College of Music. Whether performing at Carnegie Hall or the Amphitheatre Paris Cité de la Musique in Paris, Valentina is grateful for the many global opportunities and meaningful friendships with other musicians around the world. One of her most exciting experiences was traveling to Rogaska, Slovenia, where she performed for members of the Consulate General Kranj and the Embassy of Ukraine.
At home, Valentina won first prize from the Princeton International Piano Competition, first prize at the Delaware School of Music Piano Competition and first prize at the Delaware School of Music Concerto Competition. Valentina was awarded a music scholarship from Coastal Concerts of Lewes, Delaware which she subsequently donated to the Nemours Pediatric Hospital as she was a patient several years ago. Lastly, Valentina also studied under the mentorship of esteemed pianist Master Dima Borisovsky from the Novosibirsk State Music Conservatory and respected Maestro Maxim Mogilevsky from the world renown Moscow Conservatory of Music. Outside of music Valentina is a member of the Delaware Junior Tennis Team, winning the DE Junior District Championships 2023 and 2024. She is also a member of Archmere girls Varsity Tennis Team where she was a State Finalist in 2024. She loves food, visual arts and world languages. Valentina hopes to continue her love of performing on the piano and harp in college.
Samuel Leo Götz Benardo, cello & vocal
Special Jury Prize
Born in 2008, Samuel has been playing the cello since he was five years old. Alongside composing music, he has a deep love for soccer, playing with both his club team and the Varsity team at Harvard Westlake High School in California. In 2022, he performed at Carnegie Hall in the Honors Performance Series as a cello finalist with a USA national student orchestra. In 2025, Samuel will perform with his HW high school chamber orchestra at the Boston Symphony Hall as part of the Boston Instrumental Festival.
Samuel’s passion for music and advocacy come together in his work with his band, New Democracy, whose mission is to inspire action and raise awareness for children’s rights worldwide. Here for You is Samuel Leo Götz Benardo’s heartfelt composition and was inspired by Samuel’s experience playing soccer with his team at the 2024 Gothia World Youth Cup in Göteborg, Sweden. Seeing young players from war-torn places like Ukraine and the Middle East march onto the soccer field filled him with a mix of admiration and sadness. Samuel realized many of these children would return home to unimaginable conditions, facing daily dangers.
Here for You begins with a peaceful melody, evoking the joy of playing soccer with friends. As the music intensifies, the rhythm reflects growing ten
sion and fear, representing the harsh realities of conflict. The heartbeat-like percussion builds anxiety, culminating in explosive sounds symbolizing the devastation of war. Through this emotional journey, the voices of resilient youth rise, singing for peace, hope, and solidarity.
Yuze Lee, piano
Honorable Mention, Piano, 11 - 14 Age Category
Renowned piano prodigy Yuze Lee was born to play. At just four years old, he discovered a keyboard at home and began playing, igniting a passion that has never subsided. Born in Hong Kong and currently residing in Philadelphia, Yuze's natural talent for music quickly became apparent, marked by his extraordinary sense of rhythm, musicality, range, and emotional depth. By the age of eight, he was receiving intensive instruction from acclaimed teachers like Jenny Chen, Mingyi Gao, and Susan Starr. Soon Yuze began competing internationally from Singapore to Italy, consistently earning top honors and rave reviews.
Driven by an unmatched and self-driven dedication, Yuze has developed a deep affinity for all classical music. His technical mastery and emotional connection to a broad range of composers allow him to channel their spirit in every performance. His 2023 debut alongside the Pacific Symphony Orchestra at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall featuring Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3, was hailed as "nothing short of spectacular" by Dr. Jacob Sustaita, the conductor of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. Most recently he performed pieces by Ravel and Tchaikovsky with the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra led by famed conductor Lucas Richman at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. For Yuze, performing music is not just about sharing sounds but transferring feelings. He views piano performance as an act of deep humanity, a profound opportunity to connect with his audience. When he's not practicing or performing, Yuze enjoys listening to music, watching his musical heroes perform, solving Rubik's cubes, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Arlene Chiu, piano
Honorable Mention, Piano, 15 - 18 Age Category
Arlene Chiu, a high school senior from Newark, Delaware, will pursue chemical engineering at Caltech next fall. She began piano studies at age nine and currently studies under Prof. Christine Delbeau at the University of Delaware. An active and dedicated performer, Arlene frequently shares her passion for music through community recitals, church services, and performances at senior centers. She is also a regular participant in events hosted by the Helena Raskob Arts Institute and the Delaware Music Teachers Association. Beyond the piano, Arlene enjoys reading, exploring scientific topics, and spending time with family and friends.