Irvine International Music Competition Winners Concert
Presented with
The Greater San Diego Chamber Orchestra
Jan 31, 2026 | 2:30PM
Schulman Auditorium
Featuring Soloists
Lioma Quoit Minematsu is a dedicated cellist who began his musical journey at the age of eight, studying under the mentorship of Sangwon Cho. He has earned top honors in multiple competitions, including first place in CalASTA, which advanced him to the state finals. Lioma has also been invited to perform at the prestigious Suntory Hall in Japan. This year, he performs with the Pacific Symphony String Orchestra as well as the California All-State Junior High School Orchestra. Outside of music, he enjoys reading dystopian novels and following Formula One.
Daniel Park, a 14-year-old violinist from Pomona, California, began his musical journey at the age of four. He attends the Orange County School of the Arts in the Instrumental String Conservatory and studies with Dennis Kim, Concertmaster of the Pacific Symphony. Daniel attended Interlochen Summer Arts Camp in 2025, where he won the concerto competition in the Intermediate division. He performs with his church choir and volunteers at nursing homes, sharing his music with the community. Daniel is a member of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, was accepted into the 2024 SCSBOA Orchestra and 2026 All-State Honor Orchestra.
Sylvie Kim, 16, is a dedicated violinist from Irvine, CA, and a sophomore at OCSA. She studies with Joan Kwuon at the Colburn School. Passionate about ensemble playing, she is an active member of the Colburn Chamber Music Institute Program. She has also served as concertmaster in the All-State CODA Honors Symphony Orchestra, OCSA Chamber Orchestra, PSSS, Irvine Honored Orchestra, and LAYPO. Outside of music, Sylvie is the founder of Inner Skin, a nonprofit inspired by her long journey with eczema and her commitment to supporting others facing similar challenges. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, playing with her cat, volunteering, and playing tennis.
Olivia Sun, 13 years old, began studying piano at age 5 with Ms. Xuan Yang. She is currently a seventh-grade student at the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) and studying piano with Dr. Sarkis Baltaian. She loves playing piano and has won many awards in competitions, including the 2025 CAPMT Romantic/Impressionistic Competition and 2025 Sonata Competition. She has also performed at the 2025 Concordia Summer Piano Music Festival with Orchestra conducted by Sung Chang. Beyond her musical pursuits, she enjoys playing tennis, engaging in creative writing, and traveling with her family.
Jamie Chang, a 12-year-old cellist who began playing at age 8, has shown exceptional dedication and artistry. He has earned top prizes in the Musical Arts Competition of Orange County, the Southwestern Youth Music Festival, the Amici International Competition, and the Montecito International Competition. He has performed at the Irvine Unified School District Honor Orchestra at Segerstrom Concert Hall, SCSBOA, Junior Chamber Music, OCYSE, and CYOSC. Guided by his teacher, Jefferson Xavier, Jamie continues to develop a rich musical voice. He currently attends the Orange County School of the Arts and looks forward to growing as an inspiring young performer.
Chloe Qian, 15, is a sophomore in the Pianist Program at OCSA, studying under Dr. Sarkis Baltaian. Beginning piano at age five, she has earned top prizes in the MACOC, Orbetello, IPPA Conero, AEGIO Global, CAPMT Sonata, and IAPMT Competitions, and won the 2025 JCM Concerto Competition, performing with the Orchestra Collective of Orange County. As an honor member of Junior Chamber Music, her trio has also won awards in the Amici International and JCM competitions. Chloe attended the 2023 Oberlin International Music Festival, studying with Dang Thai Son and Stanislav Loudenitch. Beyond piano, she supports Giving Harmony concerts and enjoys tennis, crafting, and time with loved ones.
Max He (guest soloist), age 14, began studying piano at age four and is currently a student at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. He has received numerous honors at both international and state-level competitions. His international awards include the Grand Prize at the Sino–US International Art Competition, a Gold Award at the American Youth Talent and Art Contests, and 1st Prizes at the International Music Competition London, the New York Debut Young Musicians Competition, and the Muse International Music Competition. His regional awards include first-place wins at the SYMF Open categories and second place at the MTAC OCW Baroque Festival. Max has performed at prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and the DiMenna Center, and also enjoys performing clarinet with orchestras.
Joyce He (guest soloist), age 11, began studying piano at age three and is currently a student at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. She has won numerous awards, including 1st Prize at the Sino–US International Art Competition, 1st Prize at the International Music Competition Salzburg, with invitations to perform at Wiener Saal, Stiftung Mozarteum and The Teen’s Talent Show. She was also the Gold Award winner at the American Youth Talent and Art Contests and earned 1st Prize at the Artista International Music Competition. Joyce also performs on clarinet, collaborating frequently with orchestras and chamber ensembles.