2026 IYACC COMPETITION WINNER

“IYACC was such a special and meaningful experience for me. Performing with Maestro Conner Gray Covington and the incredible SEEN Orchestra, having the chance to perform for a world-class jury, and being surrounded by all the amazing musicians really made the competition a memorable and inspiring experience. 

One of the many things that’s uniquely special about this competition is that all semi-finalists are given the opportunity to perform with an orchestra. I am extremely grateful for the wonderful experience I had at IYACC.”

Learn more about Mio

2025 IYACC COMPETITION WINNER

“Performing a concerto with an orchestra is an exceptionally meaningful and enriching experience. What distinguishes IYACC is its rare and inspiring opportunity for competitors—any participant who advances to the semifinals is given the chance to perform with an orchestra. Additionally, the competition’s commitment to advancing at least one competitor under the age of 12 demonstrates its genuine support for young musicians. This encouragement motivated me to pursue an opportunity I once thought was beyond my reach. I never expected to win, and the experience has been profoundly encouraging. IYACC has given me renewed confidence, courage, and inspiration to continue striving for excellence in future competitions. I would wholeheartedly encourage other young musicians to apply and take advantage of this remarkable opportunity.”

Learn more about Wilson

2024 IYACC COMPETITION WINNER

“I had an incredible time performing one of my favorite concertos with the wonderful musicians of the SEEN Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Conner Gray Covington. Playing for an esteemed jury and hearing the other fantastic musicians during the competition was truly an inspiring and unforgettable experience.

I am also extremely grateful to the IYACC for yet another amazing opportunity to present a pre-concert solo recital at the prestigious Ravinia Festival Martin Hall in Chicago on July 13, 2024, prior to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance.”

Learn more about Joshua

CONCERT PIANIST
ARTISTIC ADVISOR TO
LANG LANG INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FOUNDATION
HEAD OF PIANO, CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF MUSIC

“I had the honor of being one of the jury members for the IYACC, and I was truly impressed with the high level of the participants. Playing with an orchestra is extremely important for young musicians, and the opportunity to do so does not come along very easily. What the International Concerto Competition does is invaluable, as it fosters the young musicians’ growth in a unique and remarkable way. It prepares them well for their careers.”

Learn more about Antonio

2023 IYACC COMPETITION WINNER

The IYACC afforded me the opportunity to perform with orchestra twice, alongside the fantastic SEEN Orchestra and Maestro Conner Covington. Having the experience of playing for a renowned jury in a beautiful venue was a highlight for me as a young musicians. I also had the wonderful experience of playing a winners concert with the SEEN Orchestra and Maestro Covington the following year. Having a competition that supports its participants beyond the competition is invaluable, and these opportunities will just increase as the competition continues to grow. 

Learn more about Zeke

IYACC CONDUCTOR

“It is always such a pleasure conducting the final rounds of the IYACC. The level of playing and musicianship seems to reach new heights each year. I don’t know of any other competition that affords so many competitors the opportunity to perform as a soloist with a professional orchestra, and I would encourage any serious young musician to apply.”

Learn more about Conner

2022 IYACC COMPETITION WINNER

“Participating in the IYACC was the highlight of my year. It was amazing how 15 of my peers and I had the opportunity to be able to rehearse and perform with orchestra in beautiful Ganz Hall. The actual competition was run very well and I truly cherish the experience of performing for the jury and meeting the other competitors.”

CONCERT PIANIST
FORMER HEAD OF PIANO, EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC

“I had a glorious weekend judging the IYACC. It was beyond thrilling to hear so many young and wonderful talents, the future of our artistic world, shining so brightly. Everyone played at a very high technical and artistic level, and they were all so well taught! It was a real honor and privilege to be a judge. Hats off to IYACC for running such a smooth and successful competition.”

Learn more about Rebecca

CONCERT VIOLINIST

“I am deeply grateful for the chance to listen to such talent — the future of classical music! The level, both artistically and technically, was exceedingly high. This competition is unique in that many more kids get a chance to perform with an orchestra than in usual competitions, where that stage comes later. This experience for young artists is invaluable.”

Learn more about Maria

CONCERT PIANIST
PROFESSOR OF PIANO
INDIANA UNIVERSITY

“Serving on the jury of the 2024 IYACC was truly a highlight, witnessing such a pool of great young talent being afforded the valuable and rare opportunity to perform with a professional orchestra in BOTH the semifinals and finals. I recommend all young musicians to apply!”

Learn more about Spencer

CONDUCTOR

“The IYACC is one of the most competitive and rewarding experiences for young musicians today. The level of playing is very high amongst the competitors and accompanying orchestra alike. There are not many competitions that allow young artists to work directly with a professional orchestra in competition - this experience alone is worth the investment of time and energy. I would highly recommend aspiring soloists to apply.”

Learn more about Aaron Breid

PIANIST,
PROFESSOR OF PIANO,
BIENEN SCHOOL OF MUSIC, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

“The IYACC is unique among the many competitions as it provides opportunities for brilliant musicians across the globe to perform a concerto with orchestra in one of the great cities in the United States. Because of this rare opportunity, the level of the students is exceptionally high, and the winners are among the most refined pre-collegiate musicians competing today.”

Learn more about Christopher