As summer unfolds in Portland, the Chamber Music Northwest (CMNW) 2025 Summer Festival is in full swing, showcasing both renowned masterpieces and emerging talent.
This year’s theme, “Echoes of Bach,” highlights the influence of J. S. Bach on modern music.
With celebrated performances of the Brandenburg Concertos and Goldberg Variations setting the tone, the festival also features the Oregon Bach Festival’s B Minor Mass on July 6.
Despite the exciting lineup, CMNW invites music lovers to turn their attention to the upcoming free performances by the Young Artist Institute (YAI) on Thursday, July 3, and Saturday, July 5.
These concerts mark the culmination of this year’s Young Artist Institute, an initiative by CMNW aiming to nurture the next generation of musicians.
The Young Artist Institute, now in its fourth year, has already made a significant impact by supporting nearly 60 talented string players from around the globe.
Founded by CMNW Artistic Co-Directors Gloria Chien and Soovin Kim in 2022, the YAI continues the legacy of artistic growth initiated by former CMNW Artistic Director David Shifrin’s Protégé Project, which has uplifted hundreds of aspiring musicians since 2010.
The current roster of young artists showcases high school-age musicians who have distinguished themselves in competitions, solo performances, and collaborations with various ensembles.
The first official YAI concert was held at The Old Church Concert Hall in Portland, but these talented individuals have already made appearances at multiple local venues, including Powell’s Books and the Oregon Historical Society.
On June 20, during Showcase 1, eight performers captivated an audience of approximately 100 attendees, demonstrating exceptional talent and artistry.
With two more showcase concerts following—Showcase 2 at First Congregational Church on June 27 and Showcase 3 in Kaul Auditorium on June 29—audiences have ample opportunities to witness these young musicians shine.
Performances will include both solo pieces and chamber music, highlighting the wealth of talent present in the program.
This year’s group of Young Artists spans impressive ages, with the oldest, Luke D’Silva, Minji Kim, Sarah Lee, and Tokuji Miyasaka, all at 18 years old.
The youngest participant is 15-year-old Christie Cheung from Toronto, Canada.
These musicians not only come from diverse geographical backgrounds, but also cultivate a sense of community as they live and collaborate on the University of Portland campus.
Katie Liu, who participated in the Institute last year, joked about her connections in Portland leading to a supply of cookies from her mom.
Musical bonding does not stop at practice, as these young artists engage in community-building through shared meals and late-night practices, creating a family-like atmosphere.
Collaborative Pianists Cynthia Tseng and Elgin Lee also play an essential role in this experience, offering invaluable support to the aspiring musicians as they hone their skills.
The repertoire this year features pieces from the 1800s and early 1900s, primarily male composers, although CMNW’s festival plans to highlight female composers in upcoming concerts, including a Protégé Spotlight on July 22.
During Showcase 2, camaraderie among the cohort was evident as they clustered together in support of each other, showcasing the supportive environment fostered within the Institute.
CMNW Marketing and Communications Director Nicole Lane emphasized the importance of balancing group dynamics to ensure these young musicians thrive in their chamber music experiences.
Peyton Crony and Kai Isoke Ali-Landing, both vegans, shared their thoughts on food choices, emphasizing the joy they find in shared meals and experiences, reinforcing the community environment within the program.
The deep joy and commitment to musical growth are palpable among the young artists.
For instance, Kai expressed her teacher’s encouragement to embrace a more joyous performance style while tackling the Finale of Tchaikovsky’s Concerto in D Major.
In another instance, Aaron Ma’s performance of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto displayed superb synchronization with pianist Elgin Lee, leaving audience members reminiscing about their own memorable musical experiences.
The YAI musicians also kicked off the Prelude Performance series, giving further opportunities for local engagement.
These performances are designed to be free community offerings, taking place just before the main concerts on Thursdays and Saturdays, allowing audiences to appreciate the artistry of these young musicians.
On July 3, audiences can expect an open-air concert event at Shipstad Field, while the final concert on July 5 at Kaul Auditorium will showcase not only string quartets but also the world premieres of mini quartets composed by participants in the Fear No Music Young Composer’s Project.
The enthusiasm and anticipation around these performances highlight the deep ties fostered in the Young Artist Institute, wherein shared experiences grow into lifelong connections.
A unique highlight was a performance by violist Andie Zhu and pianist Cynthia Tseng, who created an intimate and engaging musical dialogue during their renditions of Brahms’s Sonata in F Minor.
Attendees are encouraged to attend these concerts, whether in person or via livestream, to witness the growth and talent of these musicians firsthand.
The value of community support is not lost on CMNW Young Artist Institute Manager Alyssa Tong, who expressed excitement to see audiences engage with the remarkably high level of artistry presented by the participants.
Support from family, friends, and community members is essential in completing the puzzle of the concert experience, and organizers encourage everyone to bring children and friends to discover the passion of these young artists.
In conclusion, the Young Artist Institute not only showcases the bright future of chamber music but does so within a framework of community, collaboration, and shared joy in the pursuit of musical excellence.
image source from：orartswatch
