By: Lucy Jones

Los Angeles, CA — On May 23, 2025, young classical musicians from across Southern California took the stage at the Curtis Theatre in Brea for the Concert Star Los Angeles Regional Division. The event featured an inspiring evening of performances, competition, and recognition—highlighting the talent and dedication of a new generation of aspiring artists.

Just one day later, on May 24, a group of regional winners and students joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic for an immersive educational concert, Painting with Music, held at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall.

May 23: A Celebration of Talent at Curtis Theatre

The LA Regional event welcomed young pianists, string players, and chamber ensembles for a full day of competition and performance. Participants were selected from a diverse pool of applicants and represented a wide range of musical backgrounds. The program concluded with a formal award ceremony, during which certificates of excellence were presented by faculty members, guest educators, and community leaders.

Some of the top prize winners have been invited to advance to the Concert Star International Finals at Carnegie Hall in New York this October.

May 24: Music Comes Alive at Disney Hall

The following morning, Concert Star’s award-winning students and music learners took part in LA Phil’s “Symphonies for Youth” series, designed to make classical music fun, accessible, and visually engaging for young audiences.

In Painting with Music, the orchestra guided students through a vibrant, multi-sensory experience connecting sound, color, and movement. With works by Debussy and Gershwin, paired with projected imagery inspired by Claude Monet, the concert invited children to “see” the shapes and textures of music as if they were brushstrokes on canvas.

Before the Music: Creative Hands-On Workshops

Before entering the hall, students explored an interactive lobby workshop with a variety of art-and-music activities:

• Making musical-themed fridge magnets
• Decorating with rhythm-inspired stickers and illustrations
• Drawing and crafting based on the music they would hear

These activities encouraged students to engage their imagination and senses, and helped prepare them for a deeper listening experience in the concert that followed.

Reflections from Young Artists

Students expressed joy and surprise at the artistic connections they discovered:

“Debussy’s music felt like flowing blue water.” “Gershwin sounded like red zigzags and dancing lines!”

For many, this was their first time experiencing a professional orchestra in a world-class concert hall, and it left a lasting impression.

A Message from the Founder: Dr. Yaqi Wang

“At Concert Star, we believe music education is about more than just competition—it’s about discovery, connection, and inspiration. Watching our students not only perform with excellence, but also explore music through color, imagination, and creativity at Disney Hall, reminded us why we do what we do. We are building not only musicians, but whole artists—curious, expressive, and deeply human.” — Dr. Yaqi Wang, Founder & Artistic Director of Concert Star

Concert Star’s Mission in Action

Concert Star is proud to offer not just performance platforms, but also meaningful educational and cultural experiences. By combining competition, performance, and immersive learning, the program helps young musicians grow both technically and artistically.

These events reflect the organization’s broader goal: to bridge young talent with global stages, master educators, and transformative artistic encounters.

About Concert Star

Concert Star is a global platform committed to promoting classical music excellence through international competitions, artist showcases, and cultural exchange. Regional winners are selected through live performances and masterclasses, with top finalists invited to perform in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall.

For more information or press inquiries: 📩 Email: info@concertstar.org 🌐 Website: www.concertstar.org