Meet Our Young Artists
Ryan Shen, an 8th grader at Colina Middle School in Thousand Oaks, has been passionately playing the piano since the age of six under the guidance of Mrs. Ornela Ervin. His musical journey is marked by significant achievements, including advancing to CM level 8 with honors and receiving invitations to MTAC conventions. Ryan has won numerous competitions, such as the MTAC Advanced Contemporary Festival, the MTAC Festimantic Festival, and the Southern California Junior Bach Festival. In 2023, he secured first place in the IAPMT Autumn Grand Concours and received an invitation to the IAPMT Grand Concours International Winners' Europe concert tour in the summer of 2024. Additionally, he performed with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic at the Scherr Forum Theatre in April and was awarded a scholarship from the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic for the Montecito International Music Festival. Beyond his piano accomplishments, Ryan enjoys playing chess, video games, and golf. He is also a dedicated 1st class scout and patrol leader in Boy Scouts Troop 787. This is Ryan's first time playing with Channel Island Chamber Orchestra. He is deeply grateful for this opportunity and honored to be selected as the piano soloist with CHICO. In addition, Ryan extends his heartfelt thanks to his teacher, Mrs. Ornela Ervin, for her inspiration, encouragement, and guidance, and to his parents for their unwavering support.
Juliana Wu is eleven years old and a sixth grader at Los Cerritos Middle School. She began her music journey in kindergarten with Mrs. Ornela Ervin. Juliana has completed the CM program at Level 7 with state honors and has been invited to perform at the MTAC Convention. She was a winner in the local Festimantic Festival, the MTAC Advanced Contemporary Festival, the regional and state-level Southern California Junior Bach Festival Complete Works Audition, the 2024 Winter International Association of Professional Music Teachers Junior Grand Prix, and the 2024 MIMA Young Artist competition. Juliana has attended the Montecito International Music Festival summer camp and has been invited to showcase at Zipper Hall. Also, she was honored to perform as a soloist with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic at Opus61 and Opus65. Juliana regularly participates in Masterclasses given by well-known university professors. She has participated in the Junior Chamber Music program and won scholarships to attend prestigious music camps, including the Montecito International Music Festival and the Amici International Music Festival. Alongside music, Juliana loves reading and taking vacations with her family.
Qizhen Guo, a dedicated 16-year-old musician, attends Westlake High School. She has been passionately studying the oboe since third grade. It is her great honor to continue her studies with the esteemed musician Fredric Beerstein, whose guidance and mentorship she deeply appreciates. Qizhen finds immense joy in playing the oboe and collaborating with other young musicians. During the 2023-2024 season, she was a member of the Colburn Youth Orchestra, performing at the Colburn Zipper Hall. She was selected as the principal oboist for the 2024 Ventura County Honor Band. In February 2024, she passed Level Six of the Certificate of Merit program. Qizhen's passion for music extends to chamber music, where she played in a group that won first place in the Chamber Music Competition hosted by the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC). She also cherishes her experiences performing at retirement homes, bringing joy to the residents with her music.
John Wu is 14 years old and recently finished 8th grade at Medea Creek Middle School. He started learning violin with Kate Carter at age 6 1⁄2 at the Northwestern Music Academy, focusing on the Suzuki method. Currently, he studies violin with Sam Fischer at the Colburn School of Performing Arts. His current teacher, Sam Fischer, and his previous teacher, Sarah Plum, have significantly influenced the way he plays, practices, and thinks about music. One of John’s favorite experiences was learning, rehearsing, and performing Schubert’s Sonatina in D major, Op. 137 with Leo Dinner, a very humorous and talented pianist. Another memorable experience is a recent masterclass on Vieuxtemps Violin Concerto No. 4 with the wise violinist Ken Aiso. The journeys that music brings are unforgettable. Last year, John won Third Place in the Junior Chamber Music 2023 Young Musicians Concerto Competition Category B. He also advanced to the State Finals for the 2024 MTAC VOCE competition, and won Second Place at the 2024 ASTA LA Solo Competition’s Junior 1 Category and advanced to the state finals. John is a finalist in the 2024 Henry Schwab Violin Competition, and will perform the full Vieuxtemps Violin Concerto No. 4 with the Schwab Academy Orchestra on July 20. In his spare time, John enjoys discussing and listening to music, hiking, playing ping pong, and seeking new challenges.
Eric Zhang, a sophomore at Westlake High School, discovered his love for the piano at age five. Under the guidance of his incredible teacher, Ornela Ervin, Eric has made remarkable progress in his musical journey. His accomplishments include 1st place in the SCJBF Complete Works Audition, 2nd place in the JCM Concerto Competition, 2nd place in the IAMPT Grand Prix, which led to an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall, and an Honorable Mention in the MTAC PCS. Eric has been selected to play concertos with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic three times and performed a concerto with CHICO two years ago. Eric enjoys playing chamber music and has been invited to the JCM Honor Tours in Germany and Italy. He serves as a guest pianist with the CVYO, and participates in their chamber music concerts. Aside from piano, Eric is an active athlete. He has played competitive soccer for ten years and had the honor of representing the AYSO National U16 Team at the Mina Cup, an international tournament in Dubai. He was named the MVP of his high school soccer team. He holds the 2nd-degree blackbelt in Taekwondo. To contribute to his community, Eric frequently performs music at various retirement homes. Additionally, he volunteers as an instructor at the Sycamore Canyon Middle School MathCounts Club.