Celebrating Ensemble Excellence & Musical Momentum

October is here, and the energy across Junior Chamber Music is electric! From thrilling performances to new beginnings, we’re proud to share the latest highlights and inspiration from our vibrant musical community.

Concerto Competition Triumphs & Winners’ Concert at CSULB

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024-2025 CAPMT OC & JCM Young Musicians Concerto Competition, who delivered unforgettable performances at the Daniel Recital Hall at CSULB with the Orchestra Collective of Orange County (OCofOC). These rising stars showcased virtuosic solo works, including Saint-Saëns, Bruch, Ravel, and Vieuxtemps. Their artistry and dedication lit up the stage. What a way to kick off the season!

• Chloe Qian, piano – Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2

• Jiwoo Chung, violin & Jiwon Chung, viola – Bruch Double Concerto

• Ryan Yuto Noda, violin – Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1

• Ryan Kim, cello – Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1

• Minji Choi, violin – Ravel’s Tzigane

• Natalie Xu, violin – Vieuxtemps Violin Concerto No. 5

Read about the winners here.

All Branches in Motion

With the LA Coast branch’s orientation last weekend, all JCM branches are now officially in gear! Students have been placed into their chamber groups and are beginning rehearsals. Coaching begins in November, and we can’t wait to see these ensembles come to life under the guidance of our esteemed JCM coaches. The journey from first rehearsal to final concert is one of growth, joy, and musical transformation.

Why Chamber Music Matters:
A Message to Parents

If your child has only played music solo, chamber music opens a whole new world. It teaches listening, collaboration, and musical empathy, skills that go far beyond the notes. In a chamber group, every musician is both a leader and a teammate. They learn to communicate without words, respond in real time, and shape music together. It’s a powerful way to build confidence, deepen musical understanding, and create lasting friendships.

There are hundreds of extraordinary chamber works waiting to be explored, from trios and quartets to quintets and beyond. Whether your child is a violinist, pianist, cellist, or wind player, there’s a rich repertoire that will challenge and inspire them.

Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor

This season’s JCM t-shirt features a chamber music favorite: Felix Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 49, a piece cherished by musicians and audiences alike, including our Executive Director Susan Boettger, who calls it one of her all-time favorites.

Why is it so beloved? This trio is a masterclass in emotional storytelling and ensemble interplay. Mendelssohn composed it in 1839, and it was so admired that Robert Schumann, another Romantic giant, declared it “the master trio of our time.” It blends lyrical beauty, stormy drama, and sparkling virtuosity, giving each instrument a chance to shine while demanding deep collaboration.

Fun facts:
- Mendelssohn revised the piano part after advice from Franz Liszt, making it more brilliant and virtuosic.
- The second movement is often described as a “song without words,” a nod to Mendelssohn’s famous solo piano pieces.
- The scherzo (third movement) is so light and quick it’s nicknamed “elfin”, a signature Mendelssohn touch that evokes magical woodland creatures.
- The finale bursts with energy and ends in a triumphant shift from D minor to D major, symbolizing hope and resolution.

Musical highlights:
- The piano opens with restless arpeggios, setting a dramatic tone.
- The violin and cello trade lyrical lines, weaving a rich tapestry of sound.
- The ensemble must breathe together, listen deeply, and respond intuitively, perfect training for young chamber musicians.

Watch JCM students bring this piece to life:

We Want to Feature YOU!

Got an awesome story, fun fact, or performance video to share?
We love celebrating our students & alumni.

Send your stories or clips to Aimee: aimee@juniorchambermusic.org for a chance to be featured!

Stay Connected!

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• Instagram: @juniorchambermusic

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• YouTube: @juniorchambermusic

Whether you're new to chamber music or a seasoned JCM performer, this season is your opportunity to grow, connect, and shine—we can’t wait for all that’s ahead!

With gratitude,
The Junior Chamber Music Team