WINNERS of the 2024 Rotary Calgary Concerto Competition
View their performance by clicking on the MUSIC NOTES below their picture
AUSTIN GAO
16-year-old Canadian pianist Austin Gao was born and raised in Calgary. Introduced to music at a young age, he was captivated by his older sister’s piano playing from the age of five. Inspired by this, Austin began playing the piano at seven and has since diligently worked to enhance his musical abilities. His journey in music has been greatly influenced by mentors like John Lam, who sparked his passion for music, and Marilyn Engle, under whose tutelage he currently studies to further develop his musicianship and nurture his passion.
In his musical journey, Austin has actively engaged in various opportunities at the local, national, and international levels. In 2020, he completed his level 10 RCM piano practical exam with First Class Honors. The following year, he participated in the Pacific Rim International Music Festival, securing third place in the Youth Category of the North America Regional Final. In 2022, Austin took part in the Canadian Music Competition and earned 3rd place in the national finals in the 14-year-old piano category. In February 2024, he participated in the Pathways program and subsequently competed in the 2024 Calgary Concerto Competition, where he was honored to be chosen as one of its four winners and is eagerly looking forward to performing with an orchestra.
Outside of his piano pursuits, Austin is a dedicated grade 11 student who enjoys learning and has a fondness for math and chemistry. He has also been part of the French Immersion program for 10 years. Additionally, Austin has been playing the clarinet for 5 years and is an active member of his high school band. Apart from his academic and musical interests, his hobbies include playing chess, learning to cook, and working out at the fitness center
COMPETITION: RACHMANINOF PIANO CONCERTO NO 2
Video courtesy of the Calgary Folk Club
SACHA JORBA-WU
Sacha is an 11 year old Canadian Violinist who started lessons at age 5, and made his Solo debut (age 6) right here at Olympic Plaza. He has been a member of 5 orchestras, including the Elgar Orchestra (2023) where he performed alongside Concertmasters Andrew Wan (Montreal) and Jonathan Crow (Toronto). He is the founder of Trio-Magico, a Senior Violinist at Mt Royal, and works on his Solo repertoire with mentor, Concertmaster Diana Cohen.
In 2023, he won all of UPPER STRINGS (all ages) at the Calgary Performing Arts Festival and went on to win Alberta Provincials (awarded FIRST PLACE for VIOLIN SOLO in the AMFA finals for 2021, 2022 and 2023).
Sacha was the Grand Prize winner of his age category for all instruments at the Canadian Music Competition (CMC) for both 2022 in Québec city (score of 97%) and 2023 in Toronto (score of 99%). Sacha also received the highest marks in both CMC auditions. At age 9, Sacha was honoured to Solo with both the Québec (July 2022) and Sherbrooke Symphony Orchestras (Dec. 2022). Lastly, he performed the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Sinfonia Orchestra (Spring 2023).
In July 2023, Sacha was invited to perform at the Mozarteum during the Salzburg Festival and Summer Masterclasses. Before returning to Canada for the Parcival Project, Sacha had the opportunity to perform Danse Espagnol at the Paulo de la Musica in Barcelona. Sacha is very grateful for the privilege of participating in Masterclasses with Canadian Concertmasters Andrew Wan, Gwen Hoebig, Ian Swensen, Robert Uchida, Timothy Chooi.
COMPETITION: PAGANINI VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 OP. 6
Video courtesy of the Calgary Folk Club
BENJAMIN LINTON
COMPETITION:WIENIASKI VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 2
Video courtesy of the Calgary Folk Club
CHANAN NGO
16-year-old Canadian violinist Chanan Ngo began piano at 4 and violin at 5. His violin studies, commencing with Fiona Carnie, have led him to receive awards at local, provincial, and national music competitions. His most recent honours include first place at the Frank Simpson Concerto Competition, the Mary Gardiner Award of Performance Excellence (ACNMP), Rose Bowl at the Calgary Performing Arts Festival, and first place at the Canada West Performing Arts Festival. Chanan made his solo debut with the Calgary Civic Symphony as winner of the Calgary Concerto Competition in 2022. He has since performed as a soloist at venues across Alberta such as the Jack Singer Concert Hall, the Winspear Centre, and the Bella Concert Hall. Chanan loves Canadian music. He was honoured and humbled to be invited by the Kensington Sinfonia as guest soloist for their latest CD release, Forces of Nature, featuring some of his favorite composers from Alberta.
Chanan is an active chamber musician. While violin is his primary instrument, he also plays the viola and piano when requested. In 2023, Chanan had the honour and privilege to perform Allegro for Four String Quartets with the Lafayette String Quartet, the Penderecki String Quartet, and the Bellas Artes String Quartet. Chanan has been rotating concertmaster at the Calgary Youth Orchestra (CYO) since 2022. He was the concertmaster for their performances of Mahler Symphony No. 1 “Titan” and Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection”.
When not playing music, Chanan enjoys hanging out with friends, playing with his cat Dani, and spending time in the kitchen, aka the “lab”, trying out new recipes.
COMPETITION: KORNGOLD VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D MAJOR
Video courtesy of the Calgary Folk Club
Runners Up of the 2024 Competition
Jinghui Bai
Coco Zang
Matthew Craig
Ellie Hanjin Lu