Encouraging excellence in the arts
Since 2004, SIYAO has provided the opportunity for young artists to compete in annual vocal and instrumental competitions in the St. Louis metro-east area.
Competitors receive feedback on their performance from music professionals and the chance to win generous monetary prizes ranging from $250 - $1000.
"Thank you very much for the opportunity to perform at the the 2018 competition! I had a great experience and enjoyed the performance."
~ Joanne Chang
2022 Vocal Competition Results:
1st Place:
Naomi Brigell, Mezzo Soprano, University of Houston
Tied for 2nd Place:
Shaina Martinez, Soprano, Manhattan School of Music
Ian Pathak, Tenor, University of Michigan
2022 Instrumental Competition Results:
1st Place:
Yang Zhou, Saxophone, Truman State University
Tied for 2nd Place:
Amer Hasan, Clarinet, Oberlin College
Hyeseon Jin, Piano, Indiana University
Honorable Mention:
Dongwon Shin, Piano, Indiana University
Anthony Kandilaroff, Flute
Competitors receive feedback on their performance from music professionals and the chance to win generous monetary prizes ranging from $250 - $1000.
Each competition is limited to 30 participants.
Competitors must be between the ages of twenty and thirty years old on the date of the competition. Registration will open January 15, 2022.
Uploaded videos and song selections are due on the dates listed above. You may add/update your song titles and video submissions at any time up to the date of the competition.
2021 Results
The SIYAO Board of Directors would like to thank all 2021 contestants for a very successful competition.
The judges were most impressed with the extraordinary level of performance this year and wish to congratulate all participants, especially during the pandemic. They wish to encourage you to continue in your pursuit of instrumental artistry and musicianship.
Vocal Winners
1st Place
Yoseph Park, Bass
University of Kansas
2nd Place
Jacqueline Piccolino, Soprano
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
3rd Place
Michael Colman, Bass
Indiana University
Honorable Mention
Yun Xie, Soprano
Manhattan School of Music
Helaine Liebman, Soprano
Northwestern University
Instrumental Winners
1st Place
Kebra-Seyoun Charles, Double Bass
The Julliard School
2nd Place
Elizabeth Yao, Piano
Indiana University
3rd Place
James Vaughen, Trumpet
Curtis Institute of Music
Honorable Mention
Chloe Thominet, Viola
Northwestern University
Austin Huntington, Cello
Indiana University
Leonela Alejandro, Classical Guitar
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
2021 Competition Photos
Out of gallery
Support SIYAO
Founded in 2003, SIYAO is a publicly funded organization and depends on the financial generosity of music lovers to provide these opportunities to young performers striving to refine their skills. Your contribution and support of our mission is greatly appreciated by the organization and by the competitors.