“Artists of the Future” Soloists

Beach Cities Symphony holds an annual “Artists of the Future” concert in partnership with the Music Teacher’s Association of California (MTAC) – featuring young local soloists. We are excited that classical music is still important to young musicians and that these local student soloists are helping to ensure classical music remains relevant to the next generation. We are excited to feature our upcoming Artists of the Future.

2026 Beach Cities Symphony “Artists of the Future” Soloists

Andrew Choi, piano

Andrew Choi is a sophomore at California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS). He began piano studies at the age of eight after being inspired by his older sister. In addition to being a winner of the MTAC Artists of the Future Competition, recent achievements include completing Level Nine of Certificate of Merit and winning third place in the Concerto category at he Southwestern Youth Music Festival. Andrew is passionate about sharing classical music with the community at large and is currently serving as a student volunteer and member of the Music Students’ Service League (MSSL) South Bay Chapter. Andrew is currently studying with Joseph Keel.

When not at the piano, Andrew can be found hitting tennis balls on the CAMS varsity tennis team or participating in cancer research. Andrew is interested in helping people who are in need of healing and hopes to one day combine his various interests towards studying medical biology while pursuing further STEM research.

Andrew will perform Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 – III. Allegro moderato molto e marcato – Quasi presto – Andante maestoso.

Saya Nishimura, violin

Saya Nishimura is a 17-year-old violinist who began studying violin at the age of four. She currently attends Orange County School of the Arts in the Instrumental Music: Strings and Orchestra conservatory and studies privately with Gail Gerding Mellert. Saya has earned top prizes in competitions, including the Southwestern Youth Music Festival, VOCE Branch and State Competition and in the American Protégé International Competition.

An accomplished orchestral musician, she has served as Concertmaster of both the North Torrance Youth Orchestra and the Orange County School of the Arts. She has also held principal and assistant concertmaster positions in the Colburn Youth Orchestra and Youth Chamber Orchestra.

Saya has participated in masterclasses with distinguished artists such as Callum Smart and Dawn Harms and attended Sounding Point Academy at the Colburn School, studying with Fabiola Kim. Outside of music, she enjoys photography, Pokémon, collecting figurines and playing with her cats.

Saya will perform Pablo de Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs), Op.20.

Oscar Zhang, violin

Oscar Zhang is a fifth grader at Cornerstone Elementary School who began his violin studies with Mr. Elmer Su at age eight. He has won top prizes at the SYMF Music Competition and the Opus Music Competition. He is a laureate of the Junior Bach Festival and is a recipient of a Scholarship Auditions Award in California.

Oscar is a member of the Palos Verdes Regional Symphony Orchestra and has been selected on multiple occasions to perform as a soloist. This year, he has just completed a 12-day European concert tour, performing in various venues across Belgium. His performances reflect a high level of musicality, technical skill and expressive maturity for his age.

Outside of music, Oscar is a dedicated soccer player who trains and competes year round.

Oscar will perform Charles de Bériot’s Scène de Ballet, Op. 100.

Sophia Zhang, violin

Sophia Zhang, 16 years old, is a junior at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. She began her violin studies at the age of five under the tutelage of Elmer Su and has won numerous awards in local and international competitions. Sophia won first place in the 2022 MTAC Scholarship, Bronze Medalist in the 2023 Southern California Junior Bach Festival, second place in the 2023 USIMC as first violin of a quartet ensemble and second place in the Lansum International Competition.

As a prize winner in both the solo and ensemble categories of the American Virtuoso International Music Competition, Sophia has also had the privilege to perform as a soloist and as first violin of a quartet at Carnegie Hall in 2025. Additionally, since the age of seven, Sophia has been a member of the Palos Verdes Regional Symphony Orchestra (PVRSO) and is currently third chair of the first violin section.

Outside of music, Sophia is a talented golfer who has been a starting player of PVPHS’s undefeated varsity golf team since ninth grade. A voracious reader since childhood, Sophia channels her passion for reading as a certified Essay Writing and Reading tutor to younger students.

Sophia will perform Edouard Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, Op. 21 – I. Allegro non troppo.