THIS SUNDAY, Leo Ma will perform as a soloist with the Chicago Youth Symphony Concert Orchestra for winning the 2025 Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras Concerto Competition for the Concert Orchestra. Leo will be performing Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole. Tickets are available at the link below. Leo, will also perform in May 2027 with the CYSO Philharmonic Orchestra, after winning the concerto competition for the Philharmonic division.

Currently, Leo Ma @leo.ma.12 (https://www.instagram.com/leo.ma.12/) is a 13-year-old violinist from Chicago, currently studying with Professor Minghuan Xu @allthings.strings (https://www.instagram.com/allthings.strings/) at New Music School.

He began playing at age six at DePaul Community Music School and has been a member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) since age nine, now proudly serving as Concertmaster of the Philharmonic Orchestra. Leo previously studied with Hannah Barton, Davis King and Hui Jin.

Leo recently won 1st Prize at the 2026 Berlin Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition (performing at the Berlin Philharmonic) and winning the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra Concert Orchestra Competition with Davis King, debuting as soloist at Gannon Concert Hall. He has also earned top awards at the IMA, London Young Musician (Under 15), and Canadian International Music Competitions. Leo performs with natural musical instincts, a warm tone, and a poised, confident presence on stage.

Beyond the violin, Leo studies piano and is a passionate athlete — competing on the Chicago School of Golf travel team while loving sailing and alpine skiing. He brings the same curiosity, discipline, and joy to everything he does.