Piano
Schumann, Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54: 3. Allegro vivace
Special Alumni Performance

Zarin Mehta is a classical pianist recognized for his refined, architectural style of playing alongside his depth of emotional nuance. He has appeared on national and international stages as both soloist and chamber musician, offering interpretations of both standard repertoire and his own original compositions and transcriptions. Notable performances include opening the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Tchaikovsky Spectacular Concert at the Ravinia Festival with a solo recital in 2023, and giving the North American premiere of Amalgam by Augusta Read Thomas in a live broadcast on WFMT Chicago Classical Radio. He has also performed concerti under the direction of conductors Vladimir Kulenovic, Connor Gray Covington, Mina Zikri, and Francesco D’Ovidio. His festival appearances include the Todi International Music Masters Festival in Italy, the Vancouver Piano Festival, and the Chicago International Music Festival. His artistry has been recognized with top prizes at the MTNA National Senior Piano Division, the Kaufman Music Center International Youth Piano Competition, the DePaul University Concerto Competition, and the Claudette Sorel Piano Competition. He has also earned prizes at the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, the Chicago International Music Competition and Festival (Professional Category), and the International Young Artist Concerto Competition.

Zarin previously studied piano in the New Music School’s Pre-Conservatory Program and composition at the Music Institute of Chicago. His principal teachers have included Winston Choi, Jeffrey Panko, Mary Sauer, Sean Bennett, and Matthew Hagle. He has also participated in master classes and private study with distinguished artists such as Boris Berman, Michelle Cann, Alan Chow, Alvin Chow, Meng-Chieh Liu, Julian Martin, Robert McDonald, Steven Osborn, Roberto Plano, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Orli Shaham, and Boris Slutsky. He currently studies with Minsoo Sohn at the New England Conservatory while pursuing an undergraduate degree in Applied Mathematics and Economics at Harvard University.

Violin
Glazunov, Violin Concerto in A Minor, Op. 82: 1. Moderato
House of Beethoven (Level III)
Student of Desirée Ruhstrat

Beatrice Valenzuela, 14, is a rising sophomore at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, and an accomplished Chicago-area violinist whose performances have taken her from leading youth ensembles to international stages alongside renowned artists. At New Music School, she began studying violin with Timothy Hager at the age of four and now continues her studies with Desiree Ruhstrat.

A member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras since 2021, Beatrice performs in both the Symphony and CORE Chamber Orchestras under the direction of Allen Tinkham. She also performs cello in the New Trier Freshman Orchestra and will join the New Trier Symphony Orchestra as a violinist in her sophomore year.

Beatrice has performed throughout the United States and internationally, including appearances in Spain and Havana, where she collaborated with the Cuban American Youth Orchestra. She has also shared the stage with The Piano Guys and performed under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel at the Ravinia Festival. A 2026 semifinalist in the Junior Division of the Sphinx Competition, she will return as co-concertmaster of the Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra under Lina González-Granados and is scheduled to perform with CYSO at Lollapalooza 2026.

Since 2022, Beatrice has been a fellow of the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative. In addition to violin, she studies vocal performance with Scott Ramsay and music theory with Gonzalo Garrido-Lecca. 

Outside of music, Beatrice enjoys horseback riding in hunter and jumper disciplines, playing tennis, and competing on the New Trier High School girls’ badminton team. She also enjoys crocheting and creating handmade gifts for family and friends.

Piano
Saint-Saens, Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22: 1. Andante sostenuto
House of Ravel (Level IV)
Student of Jeffrey Panko

Mika Matsuyama, 16, is a junior at Walter Payton College Prep in Chicago and studies piano with Jeffrey Panko at the New Music School. She has also worked with Mary Sauer and participated in masterclasses with Alan Chow, Stephen Osborne, and Spencer Myer.

Last summer, Mika attended several prestigious programs, including the Interlochen Piano Intensive, Indiana University Piano Academy, Oberlin Piano Festival, and the Chicago Chamber Music Festival, where she performed in masterclasses with Norman Krieger, Matthew Gianforte, and Carl Cranmer. She also participated in a masterclass with Stephen Osborne at the Grant Park Music Festival.

Mika has received numerous honors in competition. Most recently, she took 1st place in the Senior Division of the 2026 NSMTA Karen Tobias Piano Competition. She earned Honorable Mention with Distinction at the DePaul National Concerto Competition, performing the first movement of Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2, and was a finalist in the Sinfonietta Bel Canto Concerto Competition. Her concerto repertoire also includes the first movements of Beethoven’s Piano Concertos No. 1 and No. 4. She won the Gold Medal at the CAMTA Sonata-Sonatina Festival and Second Place at the American Protégé International Competition, through which she will perform Ravel’s Jeux d’eau at Carnegie Hall this May. She was also a finalist in the Musicians Club of Women Competition. Her solo repertoire spans works by Bach, Mozart, Schumann, Rachmaninov, Ravel, and Gershwin, and she has performed chamber music by Mozart, Grieg, and Piazzolla.

In addition to piano, Mika is an accomplished dancer. She previously trained in the Pre-Professional Program at the Joffrey Academy and now studies at All About Dance. She is also a member of her high school’s varsity dance team, which earned first place at the UDA Regionals. Dance has contributed to her strong sense of rhythm and stage presence, enhancing her musical performances. Academically, Mika has a strong interest in mathematics and the sciences and plans to pursue bioengineering in college.

Piano
Saint-Saens, Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22: 2. Allegro scherzando
House of Ravel (Level IV)
Student of Winston Choi

Tong-Bai Deng, 17, is a senior at Hinsdale Central High School and studies piano with Dr. Winston Choi at the New Music School.

He has been recognized in numerous competitions, earning a Gold Medal in the Professional Young Group at the 11th GOCAA Competition and First Prize in the Professional Young Artist II category at both the 2024 and 2025 CIMC Competitions. Most recently, he received First Place at the 56th Annual Stanger Competition and was named First Alternate in the Crain-Maling Chicago Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition, where he performed the finale of Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor.

In addition to his piano studies, Tong-Bai has expanded his musical interests through conducting lessons with Dr. Maxim Kuzin and explorations in composition.

Drake Wunderlich
Piano
Chopin, Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 11: 1. Allegro maestoso
House of Beethoven (Level III)
Student of Jeffrey Panko and Coached by Sean Bennett

Drake Wunderlich is an eighth-grade student at Whitney M. Young Academic Center in Chicago. He began studying violin at age five and piano at age six. In 2024, he joined the New Music School, where he studies piano with Jeffrey Panko and Sean Bennett and has performed in showcase recitals and masterclass series.

A member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras since 2018, Drake has served as Concertmaster for four seasons. He currently performs with CYSO’s flagship Symphony Orchestra, including its 2025 tour of Spain, and appeared at Lollapalooza as Assistant Concertmaster. In 2026, he was also featured as a pianist at the CYSO Gala.

Drake is a prize winner in numerous local and national competitions on both violin and piano, including First Place in the 2025 Sinfonia Bel Canto Concerto Competition and Honorable Mention in the Junior Division of the 2025 O’Malley National Concerto Competition, both in piano. In addition to his instrumental performances, he performed the title role in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Fiddler on the Roof and has also appeared in productions of Aida and Fidelio.

Outside of music, Drake enjoys animals, history, and sports, and competes in regattas with the Chicago Yacht Club.

Violin
Lalo, Symphonie espagnole in D Minor, Op. 21: 1. Allegro non troppo
Student of MingHuan Xu

Leo Ma, 13, is a violinist currently studying with Professor Minghuan Xu at the New Music School in Chicago. He began his violin studies at age six at the DePaul Community Music School, where he worked with Hannah Barton, Davis King, and Hui Jin. Since the age of nine, he has been a member of CYSO Prep Strings and currently serves as Concertmaster of the Philharmonic Orchestra.

Leo is drawn to classical music for its depth and complexity, finding it a natural outlet for both his musical and intellectual curiosity. On stage, he is known for his keen musical instincts and poised, confident presence. His honors include First Prize at the CYSO Concert Orchestra Competition, which led to his solo debut at DePaul University’s Gannon Concert Hall, as well as First Prize at the 2026 “Berlin” Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition, resulting in a performance at the Berlin Philharmonic. He has also received top awards at the IMA Senior and Virtuoso Divisions, the London Young Musician International Competition (Under 15), and the Canadian International Music Competition (Young Artist Category).

In addition to violin, Leo studies piano and maintains a wide range of interests. An avid athlete, he competes on the Chicago School of Golf travel team and enjoys sailing and alpine skiing. He brings curiosity, discipline, and genuine enthusiasm to both his musical and personal pursuits.

Piano
Schumann, Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54: 1. Allegro affettuoso
House of Mozart (Level II)
Student of Wenting Shi and Winston Choi

Victoria Zhang, 12, is a sixth-grade student at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and studies piano with Wenting Shi, Winston Choi, and Yifan Liu.

A dedicated young musician, Victoria has earned top prizes in sonata festivals and the ISMTA Competition. In addition to piano, she also studies violin as a second instrument. She has further developed her musicianship through masterclasses with distinguished artists including Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Alan Chow, and Stephen Osborne.

Outside of music, Victoria is an avid swimmer and skier. She also enjoys drawing, reading, and spending time with her cat.

Piano
Chopin, Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 11: 1. Allegro maestoso and 2. Romanze – Larghetto
House of Beethoven (Level III)
Student of Jeffrey Panko and Mary Sauer

Daniel Razminia, 15, just finished his sophomore year at Hinsdale Central High School in Hinsdale, Illinois, and is aspiring to be a concert pianist. He began his initial classical piano studies in 2022 with Jeffrey Panko at the New Music School in Chicago and currently studies with Jeffrey Panko and Mary Sauer, Principal Keyboardist Emeritus of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has also participated in masterclasses with Stephen Osborne, Alan Chow, and Antonio Pompa-Baldi.

Daniel has performed the first movement of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and the first two movements of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No, 1 under the direction of Conner Gray Covington. He attended the Todi International Music Masters Festival in Italy, where he performed in both solo recitals and with orchestra under the baton of Francesco D’Ovidio. He also presented a debut recital on the Friends of the Windows Concert Series at Quigley Chapel in Chicago.

This summer Daniel is participating in the Colburn Tone Base Piano Seminar, Jacobs School of Music Summer Piano Academy and the Philadelphia International Festival Piano Studies Program.

Daniel has earned top prizes in several competitions, including CAMTA, American Protégé, and SBC, and recently received an Honorable Mention at the Elmhurst Stainger Competition, and has performed at Carnegie Hall. in August Daniel will participate as one of the 12 finalists in the Intermediate division of the Toronto International Piano Competition.

Outside of music, he is actively involved in robotics and enjoys playing tennis.

Piano
Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 12 in A Major, K. 414: 1. Allegro
House of Mozart (Level II)
Student of Wenting Shi

Jonathan Truong, 12, is a sixth-grade student at Science & Arts Academy in Des Plaines, Illinois, and studies piano with Wenting Shi and Winston Choi at the New Music School in Chicago.

Jonathan has received recognition in numerous competitions, including being named Early Music Winner at the 2025 O’Malley National Concerto Competition, Honorable Mention at the 2025 CSA Sinfonia Concerto Competition, First Place in the 2025 CAMTA Roberta Savler Piano Contest (Level C), Second Place at the 2025 NSMTA Piano Competition, and Third Place at the 2023 ISMTA Competition. He has also been a consistent Gold Medalist in both the NWSMTA and CAMTA Sonata–Sonatina Festivals and participated in the 2024 Suzuki Association of the Americas Conference. In addition, he was a winner and scholarship recipient of the 2025 NWSMTA Summer Camp Scholarship and the 2024 Western Springs Music Club Parello & Veverka Competition.

Jonathan has further developed his musicianship through masterclasses with distinguished artists including James Goldsworthy, Sergio Monteiro, Alan Chow, Stephen Osborne, Spencer Myer, and Antonio Pompa-Baldi. Outside of piano, he enjoys swimming, biking, playing chess, and competing on his school’s Math Team and Science Olympiad.

Piano
Haydn, Piano Concerto No. 11 in D Major, Hob. XVIII: 11: 3. Rondo all'Ungarese
House of Mozart (Level II)
Student of Jeffrey Panko

Rebecca Zhao, 9, is a fourth-grade student at Burley Elementary School in Chicago and studies piano with Jeffrey Panko at the New Music School, where she began her lessons in January 2025.

Rebecca has already earned recognition in several performances and competitions. She was selected for the Downers Grove Music Club Honors Recital in both 2024 and 2025 and received Second Place in the 2024 Illinois Music Association Solo Competition. At the CAMTA Sonatina Festival, she was awarded a Gold Medal and was invited to perform in the Honors Recital.

Rebecca has a natural affinity for music and often practices for extended periods on her own initiative. She is especially attuned to the expressive qualities of the repertoire and performs with a calm, poised presence beyond her years. Outside of music, Rebecca enjoys fencing, swimming, skateboarding, and snowboarding.

Piano
Bach, Piano Concerto No. 5 in F Minor, BWV 1056: 1. Allegro
House of Mozart (Level II)
Student of Jeffrey Panko

Anik Bhattacharjee, 15, is a freshman at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and studies piano with Jeffrey Panko at the New Music School. He has appeared in numerous showcase recitals and has participated in masterclasses with distinguished artists Stephen Osborne and Alan Chow. Most recently, Anik was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall as a winner of the American Protégé International Competition.

In addition to piano, Anik has studied Indian classical vocal music for six years and has performed at a variety of venues. In 2025, he was invited to perform at the oldest Hindu temple in the United States and was also selected to perform at a prestigious festival in India for Grammy Award–winning musician Shankar Mahadevan. In Chicago, he has contributed playback vocals to independent film projects. Outside of music, Anik enjoys reading, writing, and playing video games with friends.

Piano
Haydn, Piano Concerto No. 11 in D Major, Hob. XVIII: 11: 1. Vivace
House of Mozart (Level II)
Student of Jeffrey Panko

Sonia Aravind, 13, is a seventh-grade student at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and studies piano with Jeffrey Panko at the New Music School. 

Sonia is deeply committed to her musical studies and has received several recognitions, including Honorable Mentions at the 2025 New Music School Fall Jury, 2025 Showcase Spring Recital, and the 2026 Downers Grove Music Club Piano Festival and Competition, as well as a Silver Medal at the 2025 CAMTA Sonata–Sonatina Festival. She was also selected to perform in the 2025 Junior Honor Recital at Interlochen Summer Camp and to attend the 2026 Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Summer Piano Academy.

She has participated in masterclasses with Alan Chow, Stephen Osborne, Spencer Myer, and Antonio Pompa-Baldi, and has gained valuable performance experience through competitions such as the 2025 CSA Sinfonia Concerto Competition and the 2026 Arthur D. Montzka Young Artists Concerto Competition at Northern Illinois University. Outside of music, Sonia enjoys competitive mathematics and playing tennis.

Piano
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 8 in C Major, K. 246: 1. Allegro
House of Mozart (Level II)
Student of Jeffrey Panko

Christopher Baron, 15, is a freshman at Walter Payton College Prep and studies piano with Jeffrey Panko at the New Music School in Chicago. He began his piano studies at age 11 and has since participated in a variety of masterclasses through the New Music School, including sessions with Stephen Osborne and Alan Chow. In 2025, he was awarded a Silver Medal at the CAMTA Sonata–Sonatina Piano Festival.Outside of music, Christopher is an avid chess player and  a competitive runner.

Violin
Vivaldi, Violin Concerto in A Minor, RV 356: 1. Allegro
Student of Tim Hager

Amay Agarwal, 14, began his violin studies with Timothy Hager at the New Music School in December 2025. He currently attends Maple School in Northbrook, where he performs as third stand in the first violin section of the String Orchestra and first stand in the second violin section of the Chamber Orchestra.

Amay is eager to continue advancing in his violin studies with Mr. Hager and hopes to pursue music throughout high school and possibly into college. He is currently focused on refining his technique and posture through his work on Vivaldi’s Concerto in A minor and has set a goal of joining the Glenbrook Symphony Orchestra, an advanced ensemble at Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South High Schools.

Outside of music, Amay participates in the Glenbrook North/Glenbrook South Academy Program for advanced curriculum and is an active Boy Scout working toward the rank of Eagle Scout.

Piano
Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 12 in A Major, K. 414: 1. Allegro
House of Mozart (Level II)
Student of Jeffrey Panko

Avni Kutty is a freshman at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School and a dedicated piano student of Jeffrey Panko at the New Music School, where she has studied since the age of four.

Avni has performed in numerous recitals and has been featured as a showcase performer at the New Music School. She has also appeared as a soloist with the SEEN Orchestra at Ganz Hall. In addition, she has participated in masterclasses with distinguished artists Antonio Pompa-Baldi and Stephen Osborne. Outside of music, Avni is an active student-athlete. She is a varsity runner in cross country and track, plays lacrosse for her school team, and enjoys baking for friends and family.

Flute
Benda, Flute Concerto in E Minor: 1. Allegro con brio
House of Mozart (Level II)
Student of Steve Yepez

Lucas Wang, 10, is a fifth-grade student at Catherine Cook School and a third-year flute student at the New Music School in Chicago, where he studies with Steve Yepez.

Throughout his musical journey, Lucas has earned recognition through participation in honors recitals and sonatina festivals at the New Music School. He has also received awards in talent show competitions at Global Education Management Schools and has attended summer festivals to further develop his skills and musical experience. In addition, he has participated in masterclasses with Jennifer Gunn, which have contributed meaningfully to his growth as a musician.

Outside of music, Lucas enjoys playing hockey, soccer, and basketball, and loves traveling with his family.

Piano
Haydn, Piano Concerto No. 11 in D Major, Hob. XVIII: 11: 1. Vivace
House of Mozart (Level II)
Student of Wenting Shi

Kai Gilmore, 11, is a fifth-grade student at the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park, and studies piano with Wenting Shi at the New Music School. He began his piano studies at the age of five during the pandemic. Kai was selected to perform in the invitation-only 2025 New Music School Recital Showcase as well as the British International School’s On the Spot Showcase, where he performed Beethoven’s Sonata No. 19.

Outside of music, Kai is a competitive climber with the On the Movement Youth Climbing Team. He is also an avid reader and a math enthusiast currently working at an advanced level. In his free time, he enjoys building with Legos

Piano
Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 12 in A Major, K. 414: 1. Allegro
House of Mozart (Level II)
Student of Jeffrey Panko

Kavya Sadanand, 13, is a seventh-grade student at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and studies piano with Jeffrey Panko at the New Music School in Chicago.

This performance marks Kavya’s third appearance as a piano soloist with orchestra. She previously performed the first movement of Bach’s Keyboard Concerto in F minor, BWV 1056, in 2024, followed by the third movement in 2025. Outside of music, Kavya enjoys reading, singing, and playing sports - especially soccer.

Violin
Seitz, Violin Concerto No. 5 in D Major, Op. 22: 3. Rondo: Allegretto
House of Bach (Level I)
Student of Tim Hager

Carmen Nehme is an 11th-grade student at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and studies violin with Tim Hager at the New Music School in Chicago, Illinois.

She performs as a member of her school’s orchestra and chamber ensemble, which present multiple concerts each year, including holiday performances and gala events. Outside of her musical activities, Carmen enjoys reading, watching films, and writing.

Violin
Vivaldi, Violin Concerto in A Minor, RV 356: 1. Allegro
Student of Yuriy Geyer

Teddy Thomas, 10, is a fourth-grade student at Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier School in Wilmette, Illinois. He studies classical violin with Davis King, Yuriy Geyer at New Music School, and currently performs with the Preparatory Strings ensemble of the Chicago Youth Orchestra.

In addition to classical violin, Teddy is an aspiring Irish traditional musician. He placed second in the 2025 Midwest Fleadh in the Fiddle Slow Airs competition and went on to compete at the 2025 All Ireland Fleadh in Wexford, Ireland. Through the Murphy Roche Irish Music Club, he performs in four ensembles and studies Irish fiddle with Katie Grennan and Irish concertina with John Williams. Outside of music, Teddy enjoys spending time outdoors with his five siblings, as well as reading, swimming, and playing tennis.Leo Ma, 13, is a violinist currently studying with Professor Minghuan Xu at the New Music School in Chicago. He began his violin studies at age six at the DePaul Community Music School, where he worked with Hannah Barton, Davis King, and Hui Jin. Since the age of nine, he has been a member of CYSO Prep Strings and currently serves as Concertmaster of the Philharmonic Orchestra.