Concerto Finalists Concert Program

Welcome

Welcome to the Finals Round of the Valley Christian Conservatory of the Arts Instrumental Concerto Competition. It is a joy to gather this evening to celebrate the extraordinary talent, discipline, and artistry of our students.

Since the Conservatory’s founding in 2006, we have experienced remarkable growth, not only in the number of students we serve, but also in the depth of excellence, intentional training, and artistic integrity that define our program today. What began as a small but hopeful vision has become a thriving K-12 conservatory committed to developing young artists who pursue their craft with skill, curiosity, and purpose, seeking to honor God by faithfully cultivating the gifts He has entrusted to them.

I am deeply grateful for the leadership of our K-12 Music Director, Dr. Jeff Wilson, as well as the outstanding music faculty and staff who guide, challenge, and inspire our students each day. Their commitment to excellence, mentorship, and collaboration is evident in the performances you will hear tonight, as they encourage students to grow not only as musicians, but as individuals shaped by discipline, humility, and a love for what is good and beautiful.

Special thanks go to the private teachers who invest so generously in our students beyond the school day. Your dedication, high standards, and passion for music-making play an indispensable role in shaping strong musicians and young artists who develop a genuine love and appreciation for their craft.

To our finalists, I could not be prouder of you. Your presence here reflects countless hours of focused practice, perseverance through challenge, and the sacrifices required to fully realize your artistic potential. Through your work, you bear witness to the creativity God has placed within you, and tonight honors the growth, discipline, and courage that have shaped you as performers.

Thank you for joining us for this special evening of music. We are honored to share the work of these remarkable young artists with you.

Troy Gunter Director, Conservatory of the Arts Valley Christian Schools

Riley Liao

Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra

Program

I: Allegro resoluto, ma non tanto....................................................................................................................Sergei Golovko

Accompanist: Tammy Chen

Ethan Li

Concerto No. 2

I: Moderato..........................................................................................................................................Sergei Rachmaninoff

Accompanist: Rose Chen

Jason Ham

Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 83

I: Allegro non troppo.................................................................................................................................Johannes Brahms

Accompanist: Michelle Lee

Joyce Xie

Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op. 26

III. Finale: Allegro Energico Max Bruch

Accompanist: Joyce Chang

Joshua Hsieh

Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra

III: Allegramente di bravura........................................................................................................................... Sergei Golovko

Accompanist: Tammy Chen

Intermission

Grace Wang

Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54

I: Allegro affettuoso..................................................................................................................................Robert Schumann

Accompanist: Rose Chen

Karen Matsui

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467

I: Allegro maestoso.....................................................................................................................Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Accompanist: Miyuki Otani

Kayla Lee

Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35

I: Moderato nobile..........................................................................................................................Erich Wolfgang Korngold

Accompanist: Kim Lee

Meining Wu

Concerto No. 2

III: Allegro Scherzando.........................................................................................................................Sergei Rachmaninoff

Accompanist: Rose Chen

Serena She

Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 53

III: Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo. Antonín Dvořák

Accompanist: Joyce Chang

3

Biographies

Riley Liao, Marimba

Conservatory Honors Artist Class of 2029

Riley Liao has studied marimba for three years under the instruction of Tammy Chen. At Valley Christian, Riley is a member of Percussion Ensemble II and is actively involved with MTAC and GSYO. Riley has received numerous competition honors, including Second Prize at the ENKOR Competition, Grand Prize at the International Youth Music Competitions for marimba solo, and multiple First Prizes through USIMC and IYMC. A highlight of Riley’s musical journey was performing at the Colors Concert alongside Pius Cheung and Eriko Daimo. Outside of music, Riley enjoys observing and documenting public transportation, with a particular interest in trains and planes.

Ethan Li, Piano

Conservatory Honors Fellow Class of 2028

Ethan Li has studied piano for eleven years and currently works with Namiq Sultanov. At Valley Christian, he is enrolled in Piano III Honors and participates in MTAC. Ethan’s recent achievements include First Alternate in the MTAC Concerto Competition, First Prize at the Florida Keys International Music Competition, and First Prize in the USOMC Complete Concerto category. A defining performance experience was appearing in a winners’ concert at Carnegie Hall. Ethan also serves his community by accompanying his church choir and performing with Back to Bach. Outside of music, he enjoys trading.

Jason Ham, Piano

Conservatory Honors Fellow Class of 2028

Jason Ham has studied piano for eight years under the guidance of Michelle Lee. He is enrolled in Piano III Honors at Valley Christian and participates in MTAC, CAPMT, Bello Ensemble, and Almaden Youth Musicians. Jason’s awards include First Place at the 2025 Miami International Music Competition, the Virtuoso Pianist Award with a scholarship recital at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, First Place at the 2025 Barcelona International Music Competition, and Gold Medalist at the 2024 International Manhattan Music Competition. His winners’ recital at the Solitär Mozarteum in Salzburg stands as a significant artistic milestone. Jason enjoys traveling and spending time with his goldendoodle, Kona.

Joyce Xie, Violin

Conservatory Honors Artist

Class of 2029

Joyce Xie has studied violin for nine years and currently works with Chen-Wen Su. She is a member of the Conservatory Strings Honors Ensemble and serves as concertmaster of BAYMS, where she has participated in community performances for four years. Joyce has earned First Place at the 2025 San Francisco International Innovative Music Competition and Second Place at the 2024 American Protegé International Romantic Music Competition. A meaningful performance experience was playing first violin in the Junior High Chamber piano quintet at Christmas at the California. Outside of music, Joyce enjoys creating origami and spending time with family and friends.

Joshua Hsieh, Marimba

Conservatory Honors Artist

Class of 2027

Joshua Hsieh has studied marimba for ten years under the instruction of Tammy Chen. At Valley Christian, he is a member of Percussion Ensemble II and also performs with CYS, Chamber Ensemble, and the Tammy Chen Studio. Joshua has received top honors in multiple competitions, including Grand Prize at the NLPA International Competition and First Prize at both the United States International Music Competition and the Berlin Classic Music Competition in 2025. He has appeared regularly in performances at Carnegie Hall and remains actively involved in community concerts through the Raindrop Foundation, Tanshei Church, and other nonprofit organizations. Outside of music, Joshua enjoys swimming and weightlifting.

Biographies

Grace Wang, Piano

Conservatory Honors Artist

Class of 2028

Grace Wang has studied piano for nine years and currently works with Rose Chen. At Valley Christian, she is enrolled in String Ensemble Honors and is also affiliated with SFCM. Grace’s recent awards include the Gold Award and Scholarship at the 6th WPTA Finland International Piano Competition, Second Place in the 2025 USIMC Young Artist Award, and Third Prize at the 2024 Singapore International Music Competition. One of her most meaningful experiences has been producing and performing in her own end-of-year recital. Outside of music, Grace enjoys city walks and spending time with her pet rabbit.

Karen Matsui, Piano

Conservatory Honors Fellow

Class of 2028

Karen Matsui has studied piano for ten years and currently receives instruction from Elliot Wuu and Victor Rosenbaum. She is enrolled in AP Music Theory, String Ensemble, and Chamber Ensemble at Valley Christian and performs with Young Chamber Musicians as part of a piano trio. Karen has earned First Place at both the Pittsburgh International Performance Competition and the Gavilan College Piano Competition, Second Place at the Flagstaff Piano Festival, and additional honors from the Bay Area Creative Foundation and MTAC in 2025. A notable artistic milestone was performing her original piano composition at a historic venue in Vienna in 2024. Outside of music, Karen enjoys reading forensic fiction, exploring tea culture, and improvising at the piano.

Kayla Lee, Violin

Conservatory Honors Fellow Class of 2026

Kayla Lee has studied violin for eleven years under the guidance of Zhao Wei. At Valley Christian, she is enrolled in Strings Honors Ensemble and participates in SFCM, CYS, and YCM. Kayla’s recent honors include recognition as a YoungArts National Arts Competition winner (2024–2026), as well as awards from the California Youth Symphony Young Artist Competition and the Palo Alto Philharmonic Concerto Movement Competition. A defining experience was serving as concertmaster for NYO-USA’s 2025 Asia tour, collaborating with Gianandrea Noseda, Ray Chen, and Clara-Jumi Kang. Kayla also participates in AMASE and the Bello Ensemble and enjoys ballet outside of music.

Meining Wu, Piano

Conservatory Honors Fellow Class of 2027

Meining Wu has studied piano for ten years and currently works with Hans Boepple. At Valley Christian, she is enrolled in Piano IV Honors. Her recent accolades include selection to the live rounds of the 2026 Gina Bachauer International Young Artist Competition, Gold Prize at the 2025 San Francisco International Piano Competition, and First Place at the Lancaster International Piano Competition. A transformative experience was performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in her debut concerto appearance with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Meining also leads Equal Keys for All and participates in Love Through Music and Valley Christian Outreach. Outside of music, she enjoys painting, drawing, and reading.

Serena She, Violin

Conservatory Honors Fellow Class of 2028

Serena She has studied violin for eight years and currently works with Vivian Hou. At Valley Christian, she performs in String Ensemble Honors and has been a member of Chamber Ensemble since 2021. Her recent awards include First Place at USOMC, USIMC, and the SC Baroque Festival Youth Chamber Competition, as well as recognition at the Junior Bach Festival. Serena has performed as a soloist with the Ukiah Symphony Orchestra and participated in the Boston University Tanglewood Institute String Quartet Workshop. She currently serves with the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra and has been the concertmaster and principal violin for the California All-State Honor Ensembles for 3 years. Serena is an officer in the Love Through Music Club, tutors through Schoolhouse, and enjoys ballet, sewing, traveling, and learning new skills.

Guest Adjudicator Biographies

Robert Massey

Robert Massey is a classically trained musician and arts leader whose career is grounded in performance, scholarship, and a lifelong commitment to music education. He currently serves as General Director of Symphony San Jose, a position he assumed in June 2022.

Massey began his musical journey as a trumpet student at an early age. His formative training was shaped by his participation in the Memphis Youth Symphony, and while still a teenager, he performed with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra before later becoming a member of the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra.

He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from New England Conservatory and was awarded a Beebe Fellowship to study at the Paris Conservatory, experiences that refined his artistic perspective and musicianship.

Building on this strong musical foundation, Massey has also served in leadership roles with the Jacksonville Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, Orchestra Iowa, Opera Festival of Chicago, and the Washington Bach Consort. Across a 25-year career, he has commissioned more than 50 new works and co-founded several innovative music organizations.

Massey and his team are proud supporters of the Valley Christian Conservatory, providing vital operational support for the production of Valley Christian’s annual Christmas at the California concert series and helping to create meaningful, professional-level performance experiences for students and families.

Sara Scanlon

Praised for her passionate performances and compelling musical artistry, cellist Sara Scanlon is quickly emerging as a sought-after voice on the classical concert stage. She made her solo debut performing the Elgar Cello Concerto with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and has since appeared as a featured soloist on NPR’s nationally broadcast From the Top. She also served as principal cellist for the Emmy Award–winning Night of Georgia Music on PBS.

A native of Milford, Connecticut, Scanlon is the winner of numerous concerto competitions, including those of the Chappaqua Orchestra, Adelphi Orchestra, Greater New Haven Orchestra, Hamden Symphony Orchestra, and the Townsend Orchestra. Her festival appearances include the Aspen Music Festival, Toronto Summer Music Festival, Kneisel Hall, Orford Musique, and the Rome Chamber Music Festival (2022, 2023, and 2025).

Scanlon is a frequent performer in New York City as a member of the Jupiter Symphony Chamber Players and the Blue Hill Trio. She attended the Juilliard Pre-College Program and earned her Bachelor of Music degree summa cum laude from the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings on a full merit scholarship. She completed her Master of Music degree at the Juilliard School in 2024 and has participated in masterclasses with many of the world’s leading cellists and chamber musicians.

Elliot Wuu

Acclaimed for his “power, speed, and finesse of artists twice his age” (Tribune Star), pianist Elliot Wuu is recognized for his colorful tone, refined technique, and emotional depth. A Young Steinway Artist, he was named a Gilmore Young Artist in 2018 and is a recipient of the Salon de Virtuosi Career Grant.

Wuu has earned top prizes in numerous national and international competitions, including First Prize at the Hilton Head International Piano Competition for Young Artists and awards at the Cleveland International Piano Competition, Bösendorfer & Yamaha USASU International Piano Competition, and the National YoungArts Competition. He has appeared in major venues throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, including Carnegie Hall, the United Nations Headquarters, Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, and the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival.

He has performed as a soloist with orchestras including the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and Arad State Philharmonic (Romania). Wuu has also been featured on NPR’s From the Top and WQXR’s Young Artists Showcase, and has participated in masterclasses with renowned artists such as Leon Fleisher, Gary Graffman, Dame Fanny Waterman, and Ruth Slenczynska.

Born in Fremont, California, Wuu began piano studies at age six and studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College and the Valley Christian High School Conservatory of the Arts. A Kovner Fellow, he earned his Bachelor of Music degree and Master of Music degree at the Juilliard School under the tutelage of Robert McDonald.

May 24, 2026

AFFIRMING THE ARTS

Spring 2026

Jan 24.............................. West Coast Elite Dance Competition - HS Dance

Jan 31................................ Conservatory Concerto Competition Finals Round - HS Music

Mar 5-7............................. 11-14 My Fair Lady - HS Theatre

Mar 19............................... Faith, Hope, and Love - JH/HS Choirs

Mar 26-28......................... Dare to Dream Jr. - A Disney Musical Revue - JH Theatre

Mar 30.............................. Spring Chamber Recital - JH/HS Chambers

Mar 31............................... Serenade to Spring - JH/HS Strings

Apr 18............................... An Evening of Note - K-12 Music

Apr 22.............................. Faith, Hope, and Love - JH/HS Choirs

Apr 23............................. Percussion Extravaganza - JH Drums/HS Percussion

Apr 23-25........................ Emotions: Sitcoms - HS Dance

Apr 30-May 2.................. Experiments in Comedy & Tragedy - HS Theatre

May 4-15.......................... Art Show - EL Art

May 8-9............................ Willy Wonka KIDS - EL Theatre

May 11.............................. Theatre & Dance Senior Showcase - HS Conservatory

May 12.............................. Festival of the Arts and Music Senior Showcase - K-12 Music

May 12-15......................... Art Show and Visual Art Senior Showcase - JH/HS Art

May 21-23......................... DanceScapes: Under the Big Top - EL/JH Dance

May 24............................. Conservatory Concerto Competition Winners Concert - HS Music

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UPCOMING EVENTS

WARRIOR CELEBRATION | April 25, 2026

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GOLF CLASSIC | May 11, 2026

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