Donate
2026 Young Artists Competition Winners
Each year, the Solano Symphony Orchestra celebrates exceptional young musicians through its Young Artists Competition. Selected winners earn the opportunity to perform with the orchestra under the direction of Maestro Semyon Lohss at our annual Salute to Youth concert.
Join us in recognizing these outstanding instrumentalists and vocalists whose dedication, artistry, and promise represent the future of classical music.
Meet the 2026 Young Artists
Chosen from a competitive audition process open to students ages 12–21 from Solano and Yolo Counties, these young artists were selected for their technical excellence, musicality, and stage presence.
Candace Li
Cello
Candace Li is a 14-year-old cellist from Davis, California, and principal cellist of the Holmes Junior High Advanced Orchestra. She also performs with the Sacramento Youth Symphony Premiere Orchestra and was selected for the 2025 California Junior High School All-State Orchestra.
Johann B. Schipper
Violin
Johann B. Schipper, 13, is an eighth-grade violinist at Holmes Junior High School and concertmaster of the Holmes Advanced Orchestra, with a strong background in chamber music and early musical training.
Samuel Liao
Flute
Samuel Liao is a senior at Davis Senior High School and an accomplished flutist who has served as principal flute in leading youth ensembles and founded his school’s first pit orchestra program in over a decade.
Aria Mehta
Vocal
Aria Mehta, 15, is a classical vocalist at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College Academy who has performed internationally and appeared as a featured soloist at Carnegie Hall.
Kanako Hayashi
Piano
Kanako Hayashi, a junior at Davis Senior High School, is an award-winning pianist who has appeared as a concerto soloist and performed in masterclasses with internationally renowned artists.
Supporting Youth Through Music
Each year, with the generous support of the Margaret Beelard Community Foundation, Maestro Semyon Lohss and the Solano Symphony Orchestra provide meaningful performance opportunities for young musicians through our youth programs.
From soloists selected through the Young Artists Competition to students participating in our Side-by-Side experience, these programs are designed to inspire, challenge, and support the next generation of performers. We are deeply grateful for the Foundation’s continued commitment to music education and youth enrichment in our community.
Get on the List
Join our mailing list to be the first to hear the latest news, stories, and updates.