Young Artist Mentorship Programme
KSO Young Artists mentoring programme has as a main goal to further develop the technical and artistic skills of young musicians, and give them the opportunity to play side-by-side with professional musicians during weekly rehearsals, as well as during concerts, thus preserving and enhancing traditions, heritage, and culture. The Kindred Spirits Orchestra accepts unlimited number of young string musicians who are 18 years old or younger on an ongoing basis and without restrictions. The hours that high school students spend for playing in the orchestra count as community service volunteer hours. For more information, e-mail info@KSOrchestra.ca.
The members of the 2024 | 2025 KSO Young Artists Mentoring Programme are: 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)
Amadeus Choi
Cello
Amadeus Choi started playing the cello at age 6 and later took up the piano at age 10. A highlight of his early music journey was when his school orchestra won the Gold Medal at a prestigious competition in his last year of elementary school in Hong Kong. Amadeus has achieved ABRSM Grade 8 with Merit in both cello and piano, demonstrating his strong technical skills and artistic expression. Most recently, he performed with the Summer Hill Orchestra in Canada at the age of 13. While he loves classical music, Amadeus also appreciates the storytelling aspect of pop music.
Ivanna Chen
Violin
Ivanna Chen started learning piano at the age of 6 and violin at the age of 9. She is a dedicated player and has been working very hard to advance herself in her music journey. In 2022, she completed the Level 8 theory exam in the first class honors with distinction. In 2023, she earned the first class honors in both Level 8 exam in violin performance and Level 10 exam in piano performance. In the past few years, Ivanna participated in numerous music completions and festivals. In last year’s (2023) CCC Toronto International Music Festival, she won the Age 12 years and under for the first place in Piano Sonata Class and second place in Piano Young Artist Class. With her dedication in music, she was appointed as concertmaster in the Unionville Meadows Strings Ensemble for the 2023-2024 school calendar year. Ivanna enjoys music and performing on stage. During her free time, she likes to do baking, biking, and solving puzzles.
Michelle Jin
Clarinet
Michelle Jin’s musical journey began at the age of 3 when she started learning the piano, followed by the clarinet at the age of 10. Michelle has performed as a soloist and as a member of the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra. She is a frequent award winner in regional, provincial, and national music festivals. Some notable achievements include the prestigious Kindred Spirits Orchestra Award for Performing Arts, the First Place Award in the Ontario Music Festivals Association Provincial Finals, and both National and Regional Gold Medals from the esteemed Royal Conservatory of Music. In pursuit of her passion, Michelle is set to embark on the senior woodwinds program of the RCM’s Taylor Academy in September 2023. Additionally, she is working on her RCM piano ARCT program. Beyond her musical pursuits, Michelle finds joy in various activities such as reading, drawing, and skiing.
Faustyna Ho
Violin
Faustyna Ho started learning music at the age of six, first playing the piano, followed soon after by the violin, under the tutelage of Alexander Matus. Faustina has won awards and prizes at several music festivals and competitions in the GTA, including a Gold medal at the 2024 International Music Festival and Competition. In her spare time, Faustyna likes swimming, biking and reading.
Tiffany Feng
Violin
Tiffany Feng has been playing the violin since she was 6 y.o. under the tutelage of Wilson Chu. She has earned a Level 9 certificate in violin performance at the Royal Conservatory of Music has been a member of the Moordale Senior Youth Orchestra in Toronto for several years. Most recently, Tiffany won the first prize at the Vienna Music Examination Board for violin. Tiffany also plays the piano and has earned a Level 10 certificate in piano performance at the Royal Conservatory of Music. She also plays the flute in her school in Senior Band Club.
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 started playing the violin at the age of five and is currently studying under Tony Fan and Wilfredo Deglans at the Eastman Community Music School in Rochester, New York. She won the Royal Conservatory of Music National and Regional Gold Medals for the highest exam scores in Canada in 2023 and 2024. Her musical achievements include winning the Grand Final Prize at the 2024 Pickering Rotary Music Festival, the 2024 Bach Trophy and Sonata Trophy, and the 2022 CCC Toronto Music Festival Grand Trophy. She also won first place in the 2023 IMFC Concerto Competition and the String Popular Class at the 2023 Ontario Music Provincial Finals. She received First Prize in the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition. At the age of nine, she debuted at Carnegie Hall and received many other accolades. In addition to music, Theodora enjoys cooking, playing badminton, and crafting.
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,
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.
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.
Grace Tao
Violin
Grace Tao has been passionate about music from a young age, beginning her journey with piano at the age of 5 and later adding violin to her studies. She has won numerous competitions, including first place in the Crescendo International Little Mozarts Music Competition at the age 9, which led to a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2021, at the age of 11, Grace has earned a Level 10 Certificate in piano performance of the Royal Conservatory of Music. In 2024, Grace has earned a Level 10 Certificate in violin performance of the Royal Conservatory of Music. An enthusiastic composer and arranger, Grace wrote her first piece for solo piano at the age of 11 and has since created works for various ensembles. Beyond music, Grace also enjoys baking and computer programming.
Alicia Zhu
Viola
Alicia Zhu began her violin studies at the age of five under the guidance of Mrs. Janet Wilchfort. Displaying exceptional musical promise from an early age, she has also expanded her artistry through the study of viola. Her accomplishments include First Prize and Best of Class at the OMFA Provincial Finals in June 2021, First Prize at the Unionville Music Festival in 2022, and two Platinum Awards at the 2023 Kiwanis Music Festivals, where she also secured a second-place finish at the provincial level. In June 2024, representing the Yips Music Festival, she won First Place and Best of Class in the upper-strings (violin) category at the OMFA Provincial Finals. Most recently, Alicia was awarded First Prize in viola at the 2025 International Music Festival and Competition (IMFC), further showcasing her versatility as a musician. Through her dual focus on violin and viola, Alicia continues to demonstrate a deep commitment to her craft. Her unwavering dedication and remarkable artistry have consistently impressed judges and audiences alike, establishing her as a rising star in the classical music world.
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.
The members of the 2023 | 2024 KSO Young Artists Mentoring Programme are: 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 are: 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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