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Instrumental Competition
The Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts Instrumental Competition was held on March 3rd, 2024 at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Nine finalists performed to compete for $17,500 in prizes, generously underwritten by Kathryn and Charles Hofgaarden. From a pool of 29 applicants, the finalists, ages 14 to 18, performed for an esteemed panel of judges, all members of the LA Phil. The judges faced difficult decisions as they deliberated over the wonderfully talented performances.
The Grand Prize for Exceptional Talent and Musicianship was awarded to Hanbo Xu (clarinet), who attends The Webb Schools in Claremont, CA, pictured left with Pasadena Showcase President Suzanne Hart, Instrumental Chair Colleen Robertson, Head Judge, Michelle Tseng and the judges panel. Hanbo, whose teacher is Burt Hara, is principal clarinet in the Claremont Young Musicians Orchestra. The judges cited his excellent control and technique throughout, with his Stravinsky a “terrific, compelling performance.”
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Over $650,000 in prize money has been awarded since the Instrumental Competition began in 1985. Many of our prizewinners enjoy distinguished careers in classical music. Many thanks to our judges on the panel this year: Brent Samuel and Tianyun Jia, Strings; Christopher Still and Amy Jo Rhine, Brass; and Carolyn Hove and Taylor Eiffert, Woodwinds.
Colleen Robertson
Colleen Robertson
Chair, Instrumental Competition
2024 Instrumental Competition Awards
Grand Prize for Exceptional Talent and Musicianship
Hanbo Xu, Clarinet
First Prize Strings
Cheng-Yueh (Niccolo) Yu, Violin
First Prize Brass
Chi-Chun (Aurora) Kuo, Horn
Second Prize Strings
Esme Arias-Kim, Violin
Second Prize Woodwinds
Vinay Sundar, Bassoon
Second Prize Brass
Jasper Kugler, Tuba
Honorable Mention
Chloe Yoon, Violin
Henry Woodruff, Viola
Lillian Walker, Horn
