2026 Young Artists Auditions Winners Announced
Violinist Cecilia O’Malley Earns First Prize at DuPage Symphony Orchestra’s 2026 Young Artists Auditions
The DuPage Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is proud to announce the winners of its 2026 Young Artists Auditions, an annual competition celebrating outstanding young musicians from DuPage County and the surrounding region. The auditions were held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, and featured an exceptional field of emerging instrumentalists demonstrating remarkable artistry and technical achievement.
First Prize – Cecilia O’Malley, Violin: First Prize was awarded to violinist Cecilia O’Malley, a homeschooled student, for her performance of Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35. A student of Professor Gerardo Ribeiro, Cecilia has appeared as a soloist with orchestras across the Midwest and is the winner of the Crain-Maling Competition, which will lead to four performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2027. She is also an accomplished chamber musician and will perform at Carnegie Hall next season as a member of the Valinor Trio.
Second Prize – Jeremy Liu, Piano: Second Prize winner Jeremy Liu, a student at Neuqua Valley High School, impressed the judges with his performance of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16. Jeremy is the 2025 winner of the Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition and performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra this past fall. He made his Carnegie Hall debut at age seven and has since earned top prizes in multiple national and international competitions. Jeremy serves as co-director of 88Keys to Cure, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing hope and inspiration to local communities and hospitals through music and charitable fundraising.
Honorable Mention – Nanane Sawada, Violin: Honorable Mention was awarded to Nanane Sawada, a student at Naperville North High School, for her performance of Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major, Op. 6. A 15-year-old award-winning violinist who relocated from Japan to the United States in 2023, Nanane has earned top prizes in major competitions in both countries and is currently studying with Desirée Ruhstrat.
Judges for the 2026 Young Artists Auditions included distinguished music educators and performers Susan Blease, Robert Botwinski, and Michael Messer.
“This program highlights the impact of investing in artists early, at a formative moment when curiosity, discipline, and ambition begin to align,” said Mari Ullrick, Strategic Director of Operations and Engagement. “This year’s winners show what’s possible when young musicians are supported through performance and growth opportunities.”
The DuPage Symphony Orchestra is grateful for the generous support of its 2026 Young Artists Auditions sponsors. Lucrezia O’Brien Abstract Art served as Platinum Sponsor, providing critical support for the program. Known for her vibrant, contemporary abstract work, Lucrezia O’Brien is a longtime advocate for arts education and creative expression in the community and will be in attendance at the March 21st Mariachi Mosaic concert.
Silver Sponsors include Morna Freitas Photography and Austin’s Violin Shop. In addition to sponsorship support, Morna Freitas Photography is generously donating a professional photography package for the First Prize winner.
Mariachi Mosaic is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
For tickets and more information about the Mariachi Mosaic concert, visit dupagesymphony.org.