MacPhail Students Shine in 2026 Concerto & Aria Concert
Outstanding MacPhail students took the stage in the 2026 Concerto & Aria Concert, performing soloists with orchestra in a milestone moment celebrating artistry, dedication, and mentorship.
On March 1, Antonello Hall came alive with the sound of concerto repertoire as MacPhail’s most accomplished young musicians took the stage for the annual Concerto & Aria Concert. Performing alongside a 28-piece chamber orchestra of MacPhail faculty artists and professional musicians from across the Twin Cities, five student soloists delivered remarkable performances in a milestone moment many musicians wait a lifetime for.
“The student accomplishments on display each year at the Concerto & Aria concert are breathtaking,” said MacPhail CEO Paul Babcock. “The talents of these students are extraordinary. The music is powerful. The experience is unforgettable. This is a concert that never disappoints.”
Conducted by internationally recognized conductor Mark Mandarano, Associate Professor and Director of Instrumental Music at Macalester College, the concert celebrated the dedication, artistry, and months of preparation that culminated in this extraordinary performance opportunity.
MacPhail’s Concerto & Aria tradition—dating back to the 1940s—offers exceptional students the rare opportunity to perform concerto and aria repertoire with orchestral accompaniment after a rigorous, multi-step audition process.
For 13-year-old pianist Stephen Wang, the performance represented both a culmination and an exciting beginning.
“I’ve been preparing for this since last June. This is my first time performing with an orchestra in front of an audience,” Wang said. “I’m excited to have this experience—and hopefully many more in the future.”
Clarinetist Evelyn Moren, a high school sophomore, described the opportunity as unforgettable.
“This is one of the most wonderful opportunities ever,” she said. “It’s something I’ll remember my whole life.”
Celebrating the 2026 Concerto & Aria Soloists
We congratulate the following students and their teachers on this extraordinary achievement:
- Eira Lindberg, piano student of Irina Elkina
- Stephen Wang, piano student of Susan Sophocleus
- Evelyn Moren, clarinet student of Nina Olsen
- Ally Hsieh, cello student of Joe Kaiser
- Arthur Scott, piano student of Irina Elkina
- Jessica Shao, piano students of José Uriarte
- William Wang, piano student of Richard Tostenson
Performing a concerto with orchestra represents a significant artistic milestone, reflecting both the dedication of the students and the mentorship of their teachers. We celebrate the remarkable artistry of these young musicians and the faculty who guide and inspire them.
Extending the Concerto & Aria Experience
This year’s Concerto & Aria tradition also extends beyond MacPhail’s stage through performances with partner orchestras.
Jessica Shao, a piano student of José Uriarte, performed with the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra on March 1—the same day as the concert at MacPhail—sharing her artistry with a broader community audience.
Another extended performance remains ahead. William Wang will perform with the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis on May 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington, offering another opportunity to experience the artistry of MacPhail students in collaboration with a full orchestra.
A Tradition of Excellence
For more than 80 years, the Concerto & Aria concert has highlighted the extraordinary dedication and talent of MacPhail students while providing the rare opportunity to perform with orchestra.
Congratulations to all of this year’s performers—and to the teachers whose mentorship helps bring these remarkable musical achievements to life.