Eugene Symphony Announces Winners of 2026 Young Artist Competition

Senior Division 1st Prize: Lily SlatonBarker-Wong
Walton: Viola Concerto in A minor

(left to right) Juan Ontiveros Vazquez, Julia Weldon, Lily SlatonBarker-Wong, Yvonne Hsueh, Cheryl Wefler

Junior Division 1st Prize: Emma Jang
Dvořák: Cello Concerto in B minor

(left to right) Juan Ontiveros Vazquez, Julia Weldon, Emma Jang, Yvonne Hsueh

The Eugene Symphony proudly announces the winners of the 2026 Eugene Symphony Guild Legacy Young Artist Competition, which was held Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Lane Community College in Eugene, OR. The annual event brought together some of Oregon’s most talented young musicians for a day of performance and adjudication by a panel of Eugene Symphony musicians. The competition highlights emerging artists from across the state, offering participants a valuable opportunity to perform in a public setting and receive feedback from professional musicians.

“The Young Artist Competition showcases a bright tapestry of the musical skill thriving among today's young Oregon performers.,” said Julia Weldon, Eugene Symphony cellist and competition judge. “It was a real pleasure to hear the wonderful, hard work of each competition participant. The winners delivered especially captivating solo performances, and it was an honor to be able to award them for their accomplishment.”

The Eugene Symphony Guild and their Legacy Fund has generously sponsored this annual competition since 2017.

SENIOR DIVISION - AWARDS

Lily SlatonBarker-Wong, viola
1st Prize, ($1,000)
Walton: Viola Concerto in A minor - University of Oregon

Nikita Istratov, piano
2nd Prize ($500)
Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3 - University of Oregon

JUNIOR DIVISION - AWARDS

Emma Jang, cello
1st Prize ($500)
Dvořák: Cello Concerto in B minor - Roosevelt Middle School

Sabine Voelker, viola
2nd Prize ($250)
Walton: Viola Concerto in A minor - South Eugene High School

View the full list of winners and read their bios here.