Liu Yinglu

Year 10 Wind Instrument Major, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao

Instructor: Dai Zhonghui

Second Prize Winner, Junior Division (ages 15-19) of the 48th Annual International Trumpet Guild Solo Competition

In June, Year 10 student Liu Yinglu of The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao won second prize in the Junior Division (ages 15-19) at the 48th Annual International Trumpet Guild Solo Competition, held in Los Angeles, USA. The prestigious awards ceremony took place in the grand Chapman University Musco Center for the Arts.

The competition, organised by the International Trumpet Guild, attracts over a thousand talented trumpet players from around the globe each year. Esteemed judges included world-renowned trumpet virtuosos such as Håkan Hardenberger, Vincent DiMartino, Allen Vizzutti, Jens Lindemann, and José Sibaja. Reaching the finals is no easy feat, as the level of competition is incredibly high. For Liu Yinglu, who was only 15—the youngest allowed age in the division—securing second prize was a remarkable achievement. The expert judges expressed warm congratulations and high praise for Liu’s instructor, Professor Dai Zhonghui. In fact, world-famous trumpet authorities like Edward Carroll and David Scott have already extended invitations for Liu to study at their respective universities.

Liu Zewen

Year 4 Piano Major, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao

Instructor: Patrick Lechner

First Prize and Winner of the Piano A Category, "Ohrid Pearls" International Competition of Young Musicians

From June 16-19, the "Ohrid Pearls" International Competition of Young Musicians was held at the historic Church of St. Sophia in Ohrid, Republic of North Macedonia. The competition included categories for piano, violin, four-hands, and chamber music. Year 4 student Liu Zewen advanced through the preliminary rounds and received top marks from three out of five judges in the second round. With a final score of 98.8, Liu claimed first place in the Piano A Category and went on to win the grand prize in the final round. His exceptional stage presence impressed both the judges and the audience.

The "Ohrid Pearls" International Competition of Young Musicians is accredited by EMCY (European Union of Music Competitions for Youth) and organised by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of North Macedonia. The competition is committed to discovering promising young musicians and upholding the principles of fairness, openness, and impartiality. The jury consists of highly influential and respected musicians, including Aleksandar Serdar, Barbara Szczepańska, Ethel Burgmann, Katarina Krpan, and Ana Gaceva.