Young Artist Mentorship Programme
The Kindred Spirits Orchestra (KSO) Young Artist Mentorship (YAM) Program is designed to further develop the technical, artistic, and skills of young musicians by providing them with the unique opportunity to perform side-by-side with professional musicians in both weekly rehearsals and public concerts. Through this immersive mentorship model, participants gain valuable real-world orchestral experience while contributing to the preservation, promotion, and enhancement of our musical traditions, cultural heritage, and artistic excellence. The KSO accepts an unlimited number of young musicians aged 18 and under on an ongoing basis and without restrictions. This open-access approach ensures that all qualified young musicians have the opportunity to benefit from professional mentorship and orchestral training. Upon successful completion of the YAM Program, participating high school students may apply the hours invested in rehearsals, concerts, and related program activities toward their community involvement (volunteer) hours required by the OME for their OSSD graduation. For more information, e-mail info@KSOrchestra.ca.
The members of the 2026 – 2027 KSO Young Artists Mentoring Programme are: Amber Kim (Toronto), Michael Kim (Toronto), Jaden Lai (Markham), June Cho (Markham), Sophia Song (Markham), Vivienne Li (Thornhill), Louis Shen (Markham), Ivanna Chen (Markham), Sumyee Wong (Stouffville), Samir Ahmadi (Markham), Theodora Chung (Markham), Diana Han (Richmond Hill), Eva Gao (Oakville), Livia Zhang (Markham), Annalise Grenon (Whitby), Radin Haeri (Richmond Hill), Andrew Lian (Waterloo), Sarah Lian (Waterloo).
Amber Kim
Violin
Amber began studying the violin at an early age and has since developed a strong foundation in classical music through consistent study, performance, and ensemble participation. For two years, she performed with the Mooredale Youth Orchestras Junior Orchestra, where she gained valuable orchestral experience and strengthened her collaborative musicianship. An active and dedicated young musician, Amber has participated in numerous festivals and competitions, including the Unionville Music Competition, Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival, North York Music & Performing Arts Festival, the International Music Festival and Competition (IMFC), and the Ontario Music Festivals Association (OMFA). These experiences have provided opportunities to refine her performance skills, broaden her musical perspective, and showcase her artistic growth. In September 2026, Amber will begin studies in the prestigious Claude Watson Arts Program at Earl Haig Secondary School, where she will pursue intensive music training alongside her academic studies.
Jaden Lai
Violin
Jaden is a violinist and pianist based in Toronto, Canada. Originally from Hong Kong, he has earned recognition in numerous prestigious music competitions. His recent achievements include six Gold Awards at the International Music Festival and Competition (IMFC) in 2026 and three Gold Awards in 2025, two First Place awards at the 2026 Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival, and two First Place awards at the 2025 CCC Toronto International Music Festival. He was also nominated to the Ontario Music Festivals Association Provincial Finals in both 2025 and 2026, advancing to the playoff finals and earning Third Place in his first appearance. Prior to moving to Canada in 2023, Jaden performed regularly with The Hong Kong Children’s Strings and participated actively in his school orchestra and choir, receiving multiple ensemble awards. Since settling in Toronto, he has remained highly active as both a performer and competitor. Jaden completed the Royal Conservatory of Music Level 8 Piano Examination with Distinction and continues to pursue advanced studies on both instruments. A former member of the Infiniti Strings Youth Orchestra, he currently performs with the Canadian Sinfonietta Youth Orchestra and is preparing for the RCM Level 10 Piano and Level 8 Violin examinations. He also enriches his musical development through regular concert attendance and engagement with leading artists and ensembles.
Michael Kim
Violin
Michael Kim began studying the violin at the age of five and quickly developed a strong passion for music. One of his early highlights came at age seven, when he performed at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York, an experience that deepened his enthusiasm for performance and classical music. For two years, Michael performed with the Mooredale Youth Orchestras Junior Orchestra, gaining valuable ensemble experience and strengthening his orchestral musicianship. He has also participated in numerous local and international festivals and competitions, including the Unionville Music Competition, Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival, North York Music & Performing Arts Festival, the International Music Festival and Competition (IMFC), and the Ontario Music Festivals Association (OMFA). Through these opportunities, he has continued to refine his technical skills and musical expression. Beyond music, Michael is an active and well-rounded student. He trains in jiu-jitsu, enjoys swimming, and has a strong interest in mathematics. He currently attends the Gifted program at Forest Hill Jr. & Sr. Public School, where he balances his academic pursuits with his ongoing dedication to music and personal growth.
Juna Cho
Violin
Juna began studying the violin at the age of ten and has since developed a deep passion for music and performance. Through dedication, perseverance, and a love of learning, she has achieved notable success in several music competitions. Her accomplishments include winning the Gold Medal at the Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival in 2023, First Place and a Gold Medal at the International Music Festival and Competition in 2024, Second Place at the North York Music Festival in 2025, and another Gold Medal at the International Music Festival and Competition in 2026. In addition to her solo achievements, Juna has gained valuable ensemble experience as a member of the Mooredale Orchestra, where she performed for one season and further developed her orchestral musicianship, listening skills, and collaborative artistry.
Sophia Song
Violin
Sophia Song began studying the violin at the age of eight and has since cultivated a strong passion for music and performance. Through consistent dedication, disciplined practice, and a commitment to artistic growth, she has continued to develop her skills as a violinist and performer. Sophia has earned recognition for her musical achievements in competitive and performance settings. In 2025, she received both First Place and Second Place awards at the Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival, demonstrating her technical proficiency and musical artistry. She was also selected to participate in the Level 8 division of the International Music Festival and Competition (IMFC) in 2026, an opportunity that reflects her ongoing commitment to musical excellence and personal development. Outside of music, Sophia enjoys watching movies and television shows, playing video games with her sister, and spending time with friends.
Ivanna Chen
Violin
Ivanna Chen began her musical studies at the age of six with piano and added violin at age nine. A dedicated and accomplished young musician, she has demonstrated exceptional commitment to her artistic development through both solo and collaborative performance experiences. Over the past several years, Ivanna has participated in numerous local and national music festivals and competitions, consistently earning top awards, scholarships, and special recognitions for her outstanding musicianship. In addition to her solo accomplishments, Ivanna actively performs in chamber ensembles and collaborative settings, developing strong ensemble skills, musical sensitivity, and artistic versatility. She has successfully completed the Royal Conservatory of Music Level 10 examinations in Piano Performance, Violin Performance, and Theory, and is currently pursuing her ARCT diploma.
Sarah Lian
Violin
Sarah Lian is currently pursuing the Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program at the Level 10 and the ARCT. She has participated in numerous music festivals and masterclasses and has received awards at the International Music Festival and Competition (2025) and the Ontario Music Festivals Association (2025). In addition to her musical studies, Sarah trains competitively in figure skating. She enjoys both solo and chamber music performance and is passionate about continuing to develop her artistry as a young musician.
Sumyee Wong
Violin
Sumyee Wong started learning the piano at the age of 7, and violin at the age of 8. She is currently under the tutelage of Jonathan Garabedian. In 2023, she passed RCM violin level 8 examination with first class honours, and RCM piano level 8 examination also with first class honours. In 2024, she became the violinist for her school choirs, and also participated in several concerts at her elementary school. At present, she is level 10 in violin and piano. Outside of the KSO, she is a grade 9 student at Unionville High School, in the Arts Unionville Music program. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, drawing, playing guitar, and singing.
Theodora Chung
Violin
Theodora began studying the violin at the age of five and is currently pursuing a Pre-Collegiate Diploma in Violin under the tutelage of Wilfredo Deglans at the Eastman Music School of the University of Rochester, New York, where she holds a merit scholarship. She is also working toward the Level 10 Certificate in Violin Performance of the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). Between 2023 and 2025, Theodora earned three National and Regional Gold Medals from the RCM for achieving the highest examination marks in Canada and Ontario. She has received numerous prizes at music festivals and competitions. Among her notable achievements are the Grand Final Prize at the 2024 Pickering Rotary Music Festival and the Grand Prize at the 2023 CCC International Music Festival. She was also awarded the Bach Trophy, the Sonata Trophy, and the Canadian Composer Trophy. Theodora won first place in the 2023 International Music Festival and Competitiion (IMFC) Concerto Competition and was the Ontario Music Festivals Association (OMFA) Provincial Champion in the String Popular Class for four consecutive years (2023–2026). She also earned second place at the Ontario Provincial Finals in both the Classical Violin Class and the Popular Piano Class. In addition, Theodora received First Prize in the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, which led to her Carnegie Hall debut at the age of nine.
Livia Zhang
Violin
Livia Zhang is currently studying in the PACE program at St. Justin Martyr CHS. She began her musical journey at the age of six, first studying the violin and then the piano. Livia has traveled to Poland and Italy to attend music festivals and play in youth orchestras. In her spare time, she likes to read, swim and play volleyball and badminton.
Diana Han
Violin
Diana Han first learned the violin at the age of 7 and is currently studying under the guidance of Tony Fan. She was a concertmaster at the Infiniti Strings Youth Orchestra for the 2023 / 2024 season and successfully passed her level 8 playing, theory, and level 9 history exams. In her leisure time, she loves reading, baking, crocheting, playing volleyball, and creative writing.
Annalise Grenon
Violin
Annalise Grenon started playing the violin at the age of 5 and is currently studying under the guidance of Sarah Fraser-Raff. She has been a featured soloist for both Durham Youth Orchestra and La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra, and has played in various professional musical theatre productions in the Durham and Northumberland regions. Annalise was a Music Enrichment Program student at the Royal Conservatory of Music for many years, performing in their Senior Orchestra and Advanced Troupe. She also plays French horn, trombone, and baritone for various ensembles in her community. Annalise recently completed her Level 10 violin performance exam and is working towards achieving her ARCT. Outside of music, Annalise enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
Vivienne Li
Cello
Radin Haeri
Violin
Radin Haeri began his musical journey at the age of three, studying the flute and xylophone. He later developed a strong interest in the violin and studied at Pars Academy in Tehran from 2016 to 2022. During this time, he performed with the Pars Academy Youth Orchestra, gaining two years of valuable orchestral experience and developing his passion for ensemble performance. Alongside his musical pursuits, Radin has a deep interest in mathematics and analytical problem solving. In 2024, he achieved an outstanding result in the Pascal Contest, ranking 46th among participants in this international mathematics competition. Radin continues to pursue both music and mathematics with dedication, combining artistic creativity with intellectual curiosity.
Louis Shen
Cello
Andrew Lian
Cello
Andrew Lian is currently pursuing the Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program at the Level 10 and ARCT levels. He has participated in music festivals, chamber music workshops, and youth orchestra programs, and has recently performed in masterclasses with distinguished musicians and professors. Andrew has received multiple awards through the Ontario Music Festivals Association. In addition to his musical pursuits, he is also a dedicated athlete with many years of competitive hockey experience.
Eva Gao
Harp
Eva Gao discovered her passion for the harp in the winter of 2018, studying under Dr. Teresa Suen-Campbell. Over the years, Eva showcased her talent at events like the Kiwanis Festival and various youth orchestras, securing top 3 prizes at consecutive Ontario Music Festival Provincials. She performed with distinction in the Oakville Youth Chamber Orchestra, the Oakville Symphony Orchestra’s opening concert in 2023, and also has been the principal harp at the Guelph Youth Symphony Orchestra since 2022. Beyond her musical endeavours, Eva founded a charitable organization, hosting benefit concerts to support children with special needs.
Samir Ahmadi
Viola
Samir Ahmadi started learning violin and viola at the age of 15. He has won awards at festivals and competitions in the GTA. He is currently studying biotechnology at the York University in Toronto,
The members of the 2025 – 2026 KSO Young Artists Mentoring Programme are: Amadeus Choi (Markham), Ivanna Chen (Markham), Sumyee Wong (Stouffville), Samir Ahmadi (Markham), Theodora Chung (Markham), Tiffany Feng (Markham), Michelle Jin (Mississauga), Diana Han (Richmond Hill), Eva Gao (Oakville), Livia Zhang (Markham), Grace Tao (Markham), Isabelle Zhao (Markham), Alicia Zhu (Markham), Annalise Grenon (Whitby), Benedict Lam (Markham), Radin Haeri (Richmond Hill), Colin Zhang (Richmond Hill), Andrew Lian (Waterloo), Sarah Lian (Waterloo).
The members of the 2024 | 2025 KSO Young Artists Mentoring Programme were: Abigail Soho Lee (Markham), Ivanna Chen (Markham), Michelle Wang (Markham), Sumyee Wong (Stouffville), Selena Zhang (Richmond Hill), Samir Ahmadi (Markham), Theodora Chung (Markham), Tiffany Feng (Markham), Michelle Jin (Mississauga), Benjamin Liu (Woodbridge), Faustyna Ho (Markham), Diana Han (Richmond Hill), Bernice Li (Mississauga), Eva Gao (Oakville), Livia Zhang (Markham), Grace Tao (Markham), Michael Li (Markham)
The members of the 2023 | 2024 KSO Young Artists Mentoring Programme were: Angela Wang (Markham), Sophia Wang (Richmond Hill), Selena Zhang (Richmond Hill), Brian Lo (Markham), Veronika Kolarska (Toronto), Samir Ahmadi (Markham), Ruoyi Qiao (Toronto), Theodora Chung (Markham), Tiffany Feng (Markham), Angel Jiang (Richmond Hill).
The members of the 2022 | 2023 KSO Young Artists Mentoring Programme were: Angela Wang (Markham), Jarmin Weng (Vaughan), Sophia Wang (Richmond Hill), Leonard Taranov-Isaacs (Toronto), Faranak Honarvar (Toronto), Konstantin Chu (Markham), Selena Zhang (Richmond Hill), Katelyn Xie (Richmond Hill), Yi Leng (Markham), Frank Qian (Richmond Hill), Brian Lo (Markham), Sophia Chang (Toronto), Karen Leung (Markham), Evanka Liu (Markham), Zhoutong Ju (Markham), Veronika Kolarska (Toronto), Samir Ahmadi (Markham), Stella Chang (Toronto).
The members of the 2021 | 2022 KSO Young Artists Mentoring Programme were: Jing Lin (Markham), Angela Wang (Markham), Christine Wang (Markham), Jarmin Weng (Vaughan), George Sun (Toronto), Sophia Wang (Richmond Hill), Tiara Lai (Richmond Hill), Leonard Taranov-Isaacs (Toronto), Faranak Honarvar (Toronto), Konstantin Chu (Markham), Selena Zhang (Richmond Hill), Katelyn Xie (Richmond Hill), Lyndon Kirkley (Toronto), Austin Yuhan Dong (Markham), Ethan Yoon (Maple), Michelle Zhao (Richmond Hill), Yi Leng (Markham), Frank Qian (Richmond Hill), Jonas Shapiro (Vaughan), Brian Lo (Markham).
The members of the 2020 | 2021 KSO Young Artists Mentoring Programme were: Austin Dong (Richmond Hill), Faranak Honarvar (Toronto), Chelsea Kwong (Markham), Christine Wang (Markham), Selina Mei (King City), Leonard Taranov-Isaac (Toronto), Jarmin Weng (Vaughan), Selena Zhang (Richmond Hill), Jonah Shapiro (Vaughan), Brian Lo (Markham), Richard Lu (Richmond Hill).
The members of the 2019 | 2020 KSO Youth Strings Mentoring Programme were: Yolanda Tang (Newmarket), Tom Pan (Markham), Sophia Wang (Richmond Hill), Austin Dong (Richmond Hill), Lucas Choi (Markham), Daniel Yang (Toronto), Faranak Honarvar (Toronto), Chelsea Kwong (Markham), Katelyn Xie (Markham).
The members of the 2018 | 2019 KSO Youth Strings Mentoring Programme were: Charlize Yao (Richmond Hill), Braden Yao (Richmond Hill), Brandon Chen (Markham), Ellie Sievers (Markham), Star Xie (Markham), Jasmine Zhao (Toronto), Earnest Ma (Toronto), Yolanda Tang (Newmarket), Garrett Kawabata (Markham), Alina Dong (Markham), Jarmin Wang (Vaughan), Richard Xiong (Toronto), Rachel Wan (Richmond Hill), Alison Wan (Richmond Hill), Tom Pan (Markham), Angelina Sievers (Markham), Sophia Wang (Richmond Hill), Jing Lin (Markham), Belinda Du (Toronto), Kevin Song (Newmarket), Eric Zhao (Markham), Jennifer Zhu (Markham).
The members of the 2017 | 2018 KSO Youth Strings Mentoring Programme were: Charlize Yao (Richmond Hill), Braden Yao (Richmond Hill), Brandon Chen (Markham), Ellie Sievers (Markham), Janey Song (Toronto), York Wei (Richmond Hill), Eugene Ye (Richmond Hill), Justin Zhou (Richmond Hill), Jennifer Ye (Markham), Star Xie (Markham), Jasmine Zhao (Toronto), Bjon Li (Markham), Edward Cui (Richmond Hill), Eric Sun (Markham), Tom Pan (Markham), Angelina Sievers (Markham), Sophia Wang (Richmond Hill), Jing Lin (Markham), Belinda Du (Toronto).
The members of the 2016 | 2017 KSO Youth Strings Mentoring Programme were: Charlize Yao (Richmond Hill), Braden Yao (Richmond Hill), Brandon Chen (Markham), Ellie Sievers (Markham), Janey Song (Toronto), York Wei (Richmond Hill), Jennifer Ye (Markham), Star Xie (Markham), Jasmine Zhao (Toronto), Eugene Ye (Richmond Hill), Justin Zhou (Richmond Hill), Bjon Li (Markham), Carole Wei (Markham), Vivian Xu (Toronto), Edward Cui (Richmond Hill), Eric Sun (Markham), Sibo Dong (Markham), Davin Ma (Markham), Christopher Wong (Markham), Hana Zhang (Toronto), Tian Jian (Toronto), Rona Li (Markham).
The members of the 2015 | 2016 KSO Youth Strings Mentoring Programme were: Brandon Chen (Markham), Ellie Sievers (Markham), Janey Song (Toronto), York Wei (Richmond Hill), Jennifer Ye (Markham), Star Xie (Markham), Eugene Ye (Richmond Hill), Justin Zhou (Richmond Hill), Jasmine Zhao (Toronto), Bjon Li (Markham), Carole Wei (Markham), Vivian Xu (Toronto), Edward Cui (Richmond Hill), Eric Sun (Markham), Sibo Dong (Markham), Davin Ma (Markham), Christopher Wong (Markham), Hana Zhang (Toronto), Tian Jian (Toronto), Rona Li (Markham).
The members of the 2014 | 2015 KSO Youth Strings Mentoring Programme were: Star Xie (Markham), Jasmine Zhao (Toronto), Bjon Li (Markham), Eugene Ye (Richmond Hill), Justin Zhou (Richmond Hill), Carole Wei (Markham), Edward Cui (Richmond Hill), Eric Sun (Markham), Sibo Dong (Markham), Davin Ma (Markham), Christopher Wong (Markham), Hana Zhang (Toronto), Tian Jian (Toronto), Rona Li (Markham).
The members of the 2013 | 2014 KSO Youth Strings Mentoring Programme were: Eugene Ye (Richmond Hill), Yiyang Gao (Richmond Hill), Carole Wei (Markham), Edward Cui (Richmond Hill), Sibo Dong (Markham), Eric Sun (Markham) and Christopher Wong (Markham).
The members of the 2012 | 2013 KSO Youth Strings Mentoring Programme were: David Hou, Yiyang Gao (Richmond Hill), Jimmy Zhang (Toronto), Elson Leung (Markham), Dennis Liu (Richmond Hill), Carole Wei (Markham), Louise Shi (Richmond Hill), Jingzhe Su (Richmond Hill), Edward Cui (Richmond Hill), Eric Sun (Markham) et Christopher Wong (Markham).
The members of the 2011 | 2012 KSO Youth Strings Mentoring Programme were: Dennis Liu (Richmond Hill), Louise Shi (Richmond Hill), Jingzhe Su (Richmond Hill) and Christopher Wong (Markham).
The members of the 2010 | 2011 KSO Youth Strings Mentoring Programme were: Jimmy Zhang (Toronto), Justina Wong (Markham), Dennis Liu (Richmond Hill) and Christopher Wong (Markham).
The members of the 2009 | 2010 KSO Youth Strings Mentoring Programme were: Jimmy Zhang (Toronto), Dennis Liu (Richmond Hill) and Lucy Yi (Markham).
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