Harry Gong

Harry, an 10th grade student at St. George’s School, has a passion for the French horn and for music in general. Having learned the piano since age 4, he achieved RCM Level 9 piano certification at age 10. A chance opportunity at age 9 acquainted Harry with the horn; enthralled by its unique sound, he decided to continue exploring the musical world through the horn. At age 12, he was selected to the China Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, where he had the opportunity to perform with members of the National Philharmonic at Zhongshan Hall. After immigrating to Canada, Harry took on a new role as a French horn player in the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra and his school band. Last year, he was fortunate to be selected into the Canadian Wind Orchestra, performing in recording projects. With the guidance of renowned music professors, he experienced the immense power of music and felt its potential to change the world for the better. It is in this spirit that Harry continues to pursue his interest in music performance.

Michael Li

Michael Li is a fourteen-year-old, grade 10 student at St. George’s. He started playing the piano when he was 6 and immediately was drawn into music. Michael started to make progress as a musician through the RCM program, receiving his RCM Grade 10 certification with First Class Honors with Distinction in 2020. He has also achieved numerous First place scholarships and awards at the Kiwanis and Richmond Music Festivals for both clarinet and piano. At the Canada International Multi-Culture Art Festival, he has won two 1st place rewards with scholarships, and he was awarded 2nd place at the 2018 U.S. International Music Competition. Michael has also performed for charity events in numerous occasions. He has participated and performed at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank fundraising event, BC Children’s Hospital fundraisers, and the Vancouver Youth Music Alliance Charity Concert. In 2018, he began learning with Dr. SunSung Kong, a Canadian Korean pianist, who graduated from the world-famous Moscow Conservatory of Music with the highest degree "Aspirantura" (DMA). Michael also played the clarinet for 4 years. He completed RCM level 8 for clarinet in 2019 and is currently preparing for RCM level 10. He is in St. Goerge’s Wind Ensemble and also Vancouver Academy of Music (VAM) Intermediate Symphony Orchestra. Making music has always been what Michael is most passionate about.

Owen Wang

A recent first prize winner of the 13-year-old category in the 2021 Canadian Music Competition, Owen Wang started piano lessons at the age of 5, and has since won numerous gold medals, trophies, and scholarships in various music festivals and competitions. In addition to the CMC, other recent accolades include first prizes at the 2021 Seattle Virtuoso International Festival, the 2021 Vancouver Kiwanis Festival, and the 2021 Seattle Viennese International Festival, an outstanding performance award from the 2021 KPU Festival, and two runner-up awards at the 2021 BC Provincial Festival. Owen was the Overall Award winner in the 2020 Steinway Canadian Young Artist Piano Competition, and received first prize at the 2020 Pacific International Youth Gala Competition and the 2020 Piano League International Competition. In 2019 Owen performed in concerto with the Coquitlam Youth Orchestra. He was the BC/Yukon Gold Medal recipient for the Royal Conservatory Level 8 and Level 10 piano examinations, and studies piano with Dr. Ronald Morgan in Burnaby, BC. Owen loves reading science, history, and fiction, and enjoys drawing, swimming, and running in his leisure time away from the piano. He also plays violin, and is the bassoonist in his school band.

Samuel Yu

Classical piano has been one of Samuel’s most steadfast passions ever since he first set his hands on a keyboard at 5 years old. Under the tutelage of pianist and composer Jack Xie, a love and appreciation for music was instilled that remains strong to this day. Throughout the past 8 years, playing the instrument has been a source of comfort that stays constant no matter where life takes him. Samuel has matured as a musician by moving through the Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program, earning his ARCT Performer’s Diploma in 2020. Recently, he has received accolades at regional and international piano competitions, including the Crescendo International Music Competition, Quebec Music Competition, North American Virtuoso International Music Competition, and Steinway Canadian Young Artist Piano Competition. By performing these pieces, he hopes to share the joyful and captivating nature of classical music - something he knows all too well - with you. When he’s not at the piano, Samuel enjoys playing tennis, hiking, watching movies, and is an avid reader. He currently attends St. George's School with Eddy, Harry, Owen, and Michael, and is continuing his musical studies with Michelle Mares.

Eddy Zhou

Eddy is a grade 10 student at Saint George’s School. He started studying the piano at the age of six with Mr. Yifei Hu and began competing in local, national, and international competitions shortly thereafter. Eddy has won numerous first place awards at local music festivals; namely Kiwanis Music Festival and Richmond Music Festival over the years. In 2017, Eddy achieved first place at Crescendo International Competition and made his debut at Carnegie Hall, New York City. That same year, Eddy participated in the 59th  Canada Music Competition, and won national 2nd place. In 2019, Eddy won the First Place at American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition and was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall for the 2nd time. Eddy continued pursuing his  piano career with Professor Michelle Mares in 2019. He was greatly inspired by Ms. Mares’ passion for music; and although a global pandemic seemingly putting the world on pause in 2020, Eddy didn’t take his foot off the pedal. Eddy received his RCM Grade 10 certification with First Class Honours with Distinction in 2020. In 2021, He received the Canadian Young Artist Standards of Excellence Award. In addition to his many successful concerts and competitions, Eddy has repaid the community with his passion for music in countless charity concerts. In addition to his dedication to music, Eddy excels at athletics. Eddy is a key player in the U19 ultimate provincial team. He plays a variety of sports ranging from snowboarding, to rugby, to soccer.