The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the winners and finalists of its 2026 Youth Concerto Competition, an annual program that showcases outstanding young string musicians from across the Southeast.
This year’s competition drew more than 40 applicants from five states, with 10 exceptional musicians selected to advance to the final round on Hilton Head Island. Finalists performed works by some of classical music’s most celebrated composers before a panel of professional musicians.
Violinist Mana Takahashi earned first prize in the 2026 competition. In addition to receiving the top cash award and scholarship opportunities, Takahashi earned the opportunity to return as a featured soloist with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.
Violinist Leila Warren received second prize.
Cellist Soren Allen-Grunspan was awarded third prize.
The full group of finalists represented an impressive level of artistry, preparation and musical maturity. Their performances featured repertoire by composers including Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Mozart, Sibelius, Wieniawski and Korngold.
The Youth Concerto Competition is an important part of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to music education and the development of emerging artists. The program gives young musicians the opportunity to prepare significant classical repertoire, perform before a live audience and professional adjudicators, receive feedback, and compete for cash awards, scholarships and future performance opportunities.
The competition also creates a bridge between talented young musicians and the professional orchestral world, with the first-prize winner invited to perform as a soloist with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra during a future season.
The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra congratulates all of the 2026 finalists for their exceptional performances and dedication to their craft.