The winner of the 2025-2026 Young Artist Competition (Open Division) violinist Rachael Kim joins the Pasadena Community Orchestra at our May 8 concert. She will perform the Violin Concerto by Julius Conus, a Russian composer of the Romantic era. You will be thrilled by the playing of this outstanding young artist!
About our YAC Open Division winner. Rachael Kim is a 20-year-old classical violinist currently studying at the Colburn Conservatory of Music, where she works with Robert Lipsett. She previously attended the Colburn Academy and graduated from the Crossroads School of Arts and Sciences in Santa Monica, serving as concertmaster of the EMMI Orchestra.
Rachael has received top honors at several national competitions, including the 45th Edith Knox Young Artist Competition, the Elizabeth Mandell Competition, and the ASTA Competition. In the winter of 2025, she attended the New York String Orchestra Seminar. She has been invited to participate in masterclasses with distinguished artists such as Gil Shaham, Robert McDuffie, Midori Goto, Glenn Dicterow, and Dennis Kim.Outside of her musical studies, Rachael maintains an interest in classic literature and enjoys hiking in Southern California, Pilates, and traveling.
About the Competition: Now in its fourth decade, PCO’s annual Young Artist Competition provides meaningful performance opportunities for young musicians and a chance to appear as soloists with a full orchestra—often for the first time. A panel of professional musicians adjudicates the process, offering a valuable and supportive experience for all who take part. Members of the community can attend for free to observe the process and appreciate the talent of the competitors. The 2026-2027 Young Artist Competition will open for new applications the fall of 2026. Stay tuned!
If you would like to make a gift to support this program, please consider a donation to help us continue offering this opportunity to the next generation of musicians that our entire community can enjoy for free.
