Winners Announced at Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's 2021 Young Artist Competition

Three gold medalists were selected out of the nine finalists

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA Announces 2021 Young Artist Competition Winners. L to R: David Choi, Maestro Salvador Brotons, Nikka Gershman-Pepper, Ezekiel Sokoloff

The Young Artist Competition's 27th edition awarded gold medals to violinist Ezekiel Sokoloff, flautist Nikka Gershman-Pepper, and pianist David Choi. All three will take home a cash prize of $5,000 each.

The gold medalists will also perform with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) under its music director and conductor, Salvador Brotons, on January 22 and 23, 2022 at Skyview Concert Hall.

Open to those aged 18 and under, the annual Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) Young Artist Competition this year welcomed nationwide submissions. The finalists were selected from over 100 applicants to compete in three categories — piano, strings, and winds/brass. 

The silver medalists receiving $2,000 each include violinist Jonathan Okseniuk, pianist Alyssa Gabrilovich, and saxophonist Spencer Cox, and flautist Erica Wang.

Bronze medal winners were cellist Adrian Hsieh and pianist Dora-Ziyan Chen, who will each receive $1,000. 

The jury comprised Salvador Brotons, Zuill Bailey, Pedro Díaz, Igal Kesselman, and Stephen Shepherd. 

“The artistry on display this year was incredible,” said Brotons in a press release. “It is an honor to host this annual gathering of talent and we look forward to welcoming our Gold Medalists to the stage for their VSO debuts in January.”