2026 Final Round Winners - Listed by Age Category  

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​Top Winners Selected to be Featured on Apple Music, Itunes, Spotify, Youtube Music and other online Music Platforms: 
Andrew Jun - Clarinet - USA 
Charity Mapletoft - Voice  - United Kingdom 
Ellen Herler, Senny Herler & Ella Gardini (Piano Trio)  Finland
Eunjin Jung - Piano - USA 
Mari Matsubara  - Violin - Japan
Yichun Sheng - Piano - USA

** Winners will be notified within approximately 2-3 weeks after announcement of the final round results about details.  

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FINAL ROUND RESULTS - BY LAST NAME (in Alphabetical Order)

FINAL ROUND RESULTS - BY MARKS

FINAL ROUND RESULTS - By Instrument

FINAL ROUND RESULTS - By Country

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VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR FINALISTS (Read this before proceeding):

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE(S) & MEDAL(S)

​To receive your medal or trophy - winners are required to fill in the Award Application form. It is imperative to furnish this form with a precise and up-to-date address to facilitate the receipt of the prize(s). All Award Application Forms must be duly completed and submitted prior to the stipulated deadline of May 14, 2026, to qualify for consideration of the prize(s). Non-adherence to this deadline shall result in forfeiture of the medal or award. Upon fulfillment of this form, anticipate the delivery of your downloadable electronic certificates within 1-2 weeks on this page.

Apply for Medal & Electronic Certificate (APPLICATION DEADLINE 14 May 2026)

DOWNLOAD 2026 Winners' Certificates (for Submissions before 4/14/2026 20:14:29)

Download 2026 Teachers' Certificates (for Submissions before 4/14/2026 20:14:29)

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2026 Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition
6th Edition

​Top Prize Winners Online Concert

Yichun Sheng - Professional Category - Piano - Absolute Platinum Medalist - 98.5% - USA - Class of Prof. Simone Dinnerstein

Eunjin Jung - Professional Category - Piano - Absolute Platinum Medalist - 98.3% -  USA  

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Andrew Jun -  Collegiate Category - Platinum Medalist - 96.7% - Clarinet  - USA - Class of Prof. Hye Min Yun

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Charity Mapletoft - Professional Category - Platinum Medalist - 96.2% - Voice (Soprano) - United Kingdom

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Ellen Herler,  Senny Herler & Ella Gardini  - Youth Category - Platinum Medalist - 95.6% - Piano Trio - Finland - Class of Prof. Katariina Nummi-Kuisma

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Mari Matsubara  - Professional Category - Platinum Medalist - 95.6% - Violin - Japan  
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Elena Iourova - Professional Category - Platinum Medalist - 95.4% - Piano (Jazz) - USA 

Fei Tong - Professional Category - Platinum Medalist - 95.3% - Violin - China - Class of Prof. Mikhail Kopelman

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Darina Slavova  - Professional Category - Platinum Medalist - 95.3% - Voice (Folk Singing) - Bulgaria 

Esme Tran - Junior  Category - Platinum Medalist - 95.2% - Piano - USA - Class of Prof. Ana Maria Eckstein

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Boonyawee Piriyalertsak  - Youth Category - Platinum Medalist - 94.5 % - Voice - Thailand - Class of Prof. Manasanun Aksornteang

Jeehyo Han - Youth Category - Top Gold Medalist - 94.3% - Violin - South Korea - Class of Prof. Yujin Oh

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Vasilios Tourloupis - Professional Category - Top Gold Medalist - 94.3% - Composition - Australia  

Gauri Khanna - Youth Category - Top Gold Medalist - 93.5% - Cello - India - Class of Prof. Manasanun Aksornteang

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​WINNERS' BIOGRAPHIES - coming soon! 
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We invite all winners (whose names are listed in the final round results) to submit your high resolution photo and biography (under 200 words in prose form) to us. We will post them on our biography page to celebrate your success and achievement!  Please email your photo and bio to this email address: [email protected] before 14 May 2026.

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We’re excited to feature your photo and bio here – please send them in!

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2026 Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition Winners

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Mari Matsubara - Professional Category - Platinum Medalist - Violin - Japan

Mari Matsubara (Violin) is a Japanese violin player from Osaka. She started playing the violin when she was 4 years old. After that, she studied violin at Toho Gakuen Music High School and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. She learned violin from Koichiro Harada, Yu Nishiwada, Michiko Kamiya, Dora Schwarzberg, and Anton Sorokow.

She placed in the Legacy Violin Competition, Toshiya Eto Violin Competition, Cecilia International Music Competition, Special VenueMusic Awards,Canadian Music Competition, London Classical Music Competition,and many more. She has also performed with the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, among others.
She is currently working as a violin player in Japan. Her participating works include WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY, Saint Seiya: Rising Cosmo, and Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 - The Duel: Payback, among numerous others.

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Introducing Last Year's Winners

​2025 Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition

​PRIZE WINNERS' BIOGRAPHIES

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Panagiotis Fournarakis - Professional Category - Platinum Medalist - Composition - Greece 

Panagiotis Fournarakis was born in Heraklion, Crete, in 1963.
He began piano and advanced theory classes at the Hellenic Conservatory of Heraklion, where he graduated with degrees in piano, singing and harmony. He continued his studies at the “Hellenic Conservatory of Athens” with Professor Dimitris Katsimbas, professor at the Department of Musicology of the University of Thessaloniki and conductor of the Hellenic Conservatory of Music, where he graduated with degrees in counterpoint and fugue. Immediately after that he
began Composition and Orchestra Conducting with Professor Theodore Antoniou,

Professor of Composition at Boston University and in June 1996 he obtained a diploma in Composition with a grade of EXCELLENT unanimously and first prize. Panagiotis Fournarakis has participated with his works in Composition competitions, 49th Festival International de musique de BesanconFranche, in the 33rd premio musicale (cita di Trieste) Italia, the Alea III International composition Prize (Boston University), XXIX Queen prize for music composition Espana, Martirano composition award the University of Illinois.

He has presented his works with the Union of Greek Composers, in collaboration with the 3rd Program of the ERA. He has performed concerts in America in the cities of Washington, Boston, New York, in Canada in the cities of Toronto, Montreal & in Australia in the cities of Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide & Canberra. In February 1999 he accepted an invitation from the Athens Concert Hall and presented his work “Inner Voices”. In March 1999 he became a member of the Union of Greek Composers.
In July 2000 he was inspired and implemented, together with Theodore Antoniou, the International Guitar Competition in the Municipality of Archanes. In July 2002, the Orchestra of Colors presented his work “Theme and Variations for String Orchestra”.
In March 2003, the Louisiana State University of the USA proceeded to publish a double C.D. with works by American and Greek composers, in worldwide circulation, which includes his work “Heliostalagma”.

As a member of the Board of Directors of NOPEI in December 2007, he created the musical ensembles of the Heraklion Prefecture, the symphony orchestra, the mixed choir and the children & youth choir of which he was the artistic director & conductor of the symphony orchestra. In September 2013, he founded the “Conservatory of Colors”, of which he is also the Artistic Director.
In May 2015, his work was presented at the Athens Concert Hall: "Overseas on Domestic Voyages" for voice and piano, work No. 43, to poetry by ANTONIS SANOUDAKIS. The ERT National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Michalis Economou, presented the "Cantata Work No. 32"  to poetry by Antonis Sanoudakis, in the courtyard of the Byzantine church of Panagia Gouverniotissa in the Municipality of Hersonissos, Crete.

In 2025, he achieved remarkable success in numerous international music competitions. At the Classical MUSIC STARS International Competition in Gdansk, Poland, he was awarded the First Prize in the Composition category. He also received the Platinum Prize at the DEBUSSY – International Music Competition held in London, England, as well as another Platinum Prize at the ERIC SATIE - International Music Competition in Wales. Continuing his winning streak, he earned yet another Platinum Prize at the WORLD Exceptional Musicians Competition in London.

His accomplishments in composition were further recognized at the BACH International Music Competition in Warsaw, Poland, where he received the Second Prize, and again at the WORLD’S Best Musicians Competition, also in Warsaw, where he was awarded another Second Prize in the Composition category.

In addition, he received the Silver Prize at the BRAHMS International Online Music Competition and the First Gold Prize at the FENIX AWARD - International Music Competition, both held in Gdansk, Poland. At the MOZART International Music Competition, also in Gdansk, he was awarded the Silver Prize in the Composition category.

Further accolades include being named the “Absolute Platinum Medalist” at the US CANADIAN International Music Competition UK (USA), as well as winning the Platinum Prize at the SCHUBERT International Music Competition. In Canada, he received another Platinum Prize at the GRANT International Music Competition, once again in the Composition category.
As a prolific composer, he has written over 40 original works, including pieces for musical ensembles, solo instruments, orchestra, voice, opera, choir a cappella, choir and orchestra, as well as for soloist-choir-orchestra. His compositions span incidental music, theatrical works, concertos, octets, quintets, septets, quartets, and more.
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His discography includes five CDs of his original works and a four-DVD collection recorded with a symphony orchestra.

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​Gregory Faught - Professional Category - Gold Medalist - Double Bass  - USA
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Gregory Faught began formal instruction on the double bass via virtual lessons from Dr. Mark Morton, Professor of Double Bass at Texas Tech University, at the age of 15. A year and a half later, he led the 2022 TMEA All-State Sinfonietta Orchestra as principal, and the following year he served as principal for the 2023 TMEA All-State Symphony Orchestra.
Since graduating from high school, Greg has continued his studies under Dr. Morton as a double bass performance major at Texas Tech where he garnered first place in the String Area Concerto Competition in both 2023 and 2024. His other notable achievements include 1st Prize in the 2023 Bellagrande International Music Competition, 2nd Prize in the 2023 Medici International Music Competition, Silver Prize in the 2023 Euterpe International Music Awards Competition, 2nd Prize in the national division of the 2024 OPUS Music Competition, and Gold Prize in the 2025 Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition. Greg was also the senior division winner of the 2025 TexASTA Concerto Competition and performed at the winners’ recital at the 2025 TMEA convention.  
In addition to performing with the Texas Tech University Symphony Orchestra, Greg is a member of the Lubbock Symphony, the San Angelo Symphony, and the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestras.
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Gregory’s instrument, a 2024 Trevor Davis double bass that was awarded a bronze medal in the 2024 Violin Society of America Maker’s Competition, has been provided through support from a generous benefactor. His bow is a German model Samuel Kolstein. 

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Julia Kulińska - Youth Category - Gold Medalist - Piano - Poland ​

​Julia Kulińska was born in 2010 in Opole. She is currently a student of the Fryderyk Chopin High School of Music in Opole in the piano class of Mrs. Joanna Wocławek-Hornik (2 years) and in the piano improvisation class of Mrs. Małgorzata Powróżo (3 years). She is a scholarship holder of the Tiziano Rossetti International Music Academy Career Project (January 2025) in Switzerland in the class of Prof. Daniel Kuzuhara. She participated in master classes with: Prof. Edward Wolanin, Prof. Róża Yoder. She is a finalist and laureate of international piano competitions, such as: Grand-Prix Piano in the 16th International Competition "Star Bridge Malaysia"  2024; Platinum Prize Piano, The World Classical Music Awards 2024; All Round Musician Award, London Young Musician; Special Prize Expressive Musical Genius in the Global Genius Music Competition 2025; Platinum Prize Piano, Stars of the Universe 2025 Johannesburg South Africa; Special Prize Unique Interpretation – World Classical Music Awards 2025. Multiple laureate of international piano and piano improvisation competitions (including: Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, USA, Poland). She is also a scholarship holder of the Centre for Artistic Education in Warsaw.

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Renat Isianhulov – Youth Category - Silver Medalist - Cello - Ukraine
At just 15 years old, Renat Isianhulov has emerged as a remarkable young cellist from Kharkiv, Ukraine, a city located only 30 kilometers from the front line of the war. Despite growing up under constant threat, Renat has pursued music with unwavering determination and passion.
The first musician in his family, Renat’s introduction to the cello began unexpectedly. At the age of eight, his mother enrolled him in a local music school simply to fulfill a requirement for additional studies. What began as a formality quickly blossomed into a profound and lifelong passion. His extraordinary dedication led to his acceptance into the prestigious Kharkiv State Music Lyceum at age ten.
Recognizing the potential in his younger brother, Renat urged him to follow the same path—and so began Ernest’s journey. The two brothers have been musically intertwined ever since. Even during the harshest moments of war, they continued to play, often practicing together in bomb shelters during air raids.

Renat’s talent soon took him beyond Ukraine. Together with Ernest, he was accepted into the esteemed Dinu Lipatti Music Lyceum in Bucharest, Romania. Transporting their instruments across borders during wartime took immense courage and effort, but the brothers were resolute. They not only adjusted to a new country but also learned Romanian to thrive in their new academic and musical environment.

After two and a half years of living in evacuation, the family returned to Ukraine to continue their studies under celebrated cello pedagogue Victor Moldovanov at the Stolyarsky Odessa State Music Lyceum, a school renowned for cultivating top-tier musicians. Renat’s artistry is shaped not only by his exceptional skill but by his resilience and maturity beyond his years.
He dreams of performing on the world’s greatest stages—and given his remarkable journey, there is little doubt that he will.

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Ernest Dzhykhadze – Junior Category - Bronze Medalist - Cello - Ukraine

Ernest Dzhykhadze, a 10-year-old Ukrainian cellist from Kharkiv, began his musical journey at the age of five, inspired and guided by his older brother, Renat Isianhulov. Living just 30 kilometers from the war front, Ernest has shown extraordinary discipline and courage in his young life, choosing the cello not merely as an instrument but as a means of expression and resilience.
It was Renat who first discovered music and, upon being accepted to the Kharkiv State Music Lyceum, declared that Ernest should follow in his footsteps. Encouraged by his brother’s vision, Ernest joined the same path and quickly demonstrated his own artistic voice.
When the war escalated, both boys were forced to pause their formal studies. Yet, even during the chaos of bombings and blackouts, they continued to practice—often playing their cellos in the basement, refusing to let fear silence their music.
In search of stability and continued growth, Ernest moved with his family to Romania, where he was admitted to the Dinu Lipatti Music Lyceum in Bucharest. Despite the challenges of evacuation, adapting to a foreign country, and learning a new language, Ernest remained steadfast. His resilience and talent allowed him not only to keep up, but to thrive.
Eventually, the family returned to Ukraine to study with master teacher Victor Moldovanov at the prestigious Stolyarsky Odessa State Music Lyceum. Under his mentorship, Ernest continues to refine his technique and deepen his musicality.
With his natural talent, fierce determination, and a maturity shaped by circumstances far beyond his years, Ernest aspires—like his brother—to perform on the grand stages of the world.

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2024 Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition
PRIZE WINNERS' BIOGRAPHIES

Mia Robarts - Youth Category - Platinum Medalist - Violin - USA

Mia Robarts, 16, began playing the violin at age 6 and made her orchestral debut at age.  She currently studies with renowned pedagogue Elizabeth Faidley, of the Manhattan School of Music.  Mia has performed at several prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center as well as abroad in Vienna, Salzburg, Budapest, and Barcelona.   A three-time alumnus of the Heifetz Summer Institute, Mia has played in masterclasses with Midori, Augustin Hadelich, Lisa Batiashvili, and Carolin Widmann, and Pekka Kuusisto.  In addition to her passion for the violin and her dog Penny, Mia enjoys drawing, gaming, and also volunteers regularly at her local food pantry and as a “string buddy” mentoring younger local violinists.  Mia has an engaged following on instagram (@mia_robarts_violin), where she shares her progress and experiences with other aspiring violinists and musicians.
 

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​Gabrielle Marois - Youth Category - Platinum Medalist - Violin - Canada

Gabrielle Marois started to learn violin at the age of 8. At that time, she didn’t know it would become a central part of her life and dreams. During the summer of 2022, she started private lessons with Amélie Benoît-Bastien, who became an inspiration for the young violinist. Her teacher encourages her to take part in various music competitions. In 2023, she took part in a musical performance for the TV show “100 Génies” with the Twenty-Nines, Nathalie Choquette, Éléonore Lagacé and the young cellist Michael Fowler. Since fall 2023, she is the solo violin of the Collège Lionel-Groulx orchestra. In 2024, she participated in the Canadian International Music Competition, where she got a gold medal. She succeeded the IMusici challenge and will be part of the orchestra for the gala concert on June 22nd. Gabrielle studies classical music and hopes her passion becomes her profession.

Gabrielle Marois commence à jouer du violon à l’âge de 8 ans, ne se doutant pas que le violon allait devenir indispensable à sa vie et ferait partie de ses rêves d’avenir. Depuis l’été 2022, elle suit des cours privés avec Amélie Benoît-Bastien, qui devient rapidement une source d’inspiration pour la jeune violoniste. Son enseignante l’encourage à participer à des concours. En 2023, elle participe à une prestation musicale de l’émission «100 Génies» avec les Twenty-Nines, Nathalie Choquette, Éléonore Lagacé et le jeune violoncelliste Michael Fowler. Depuis l’automne 2023, elle est violon solo de l’orchestre du Collège Lionel-Groulx. En 2024, elle participe au concours US Canadian International Music Competition, où elle obtient la mention or. Elle relève le défi IMusici, lui permettant de jouer au sein de l’orchestre le 22 juin prochain. Gabrielle étudie en musique et espère pouvoir faire de sa passion un métier.

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​Alain Châteauvert - Professional Category - Gold Medalist - Piano - Canada

Alain Châteauvert is a talented pianist who began learning the piano at the age of 6. In addition to these two master’s degrees, Alain has just completed a doctorate in interpretation from Laval University. He regularly performs in concert and has recorded 5 CDs which are available in iTunes and other digital platforms.

Several extracts from his albums are broadcast regularly on classical music radio. In addition to playing in concert, Alain is a college piano teacher and regularly gives master classes. Alain has a large repertoire ranging from J.S. Bach to André Mathieu. Moreover, he recorded 2 albums by Canadian romantic composers. He also had the chance to play two concertos with orchestra. Alain has won several awards and hopes to continue playing and teaching the art of the grand piano.

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​Aya Okimoto - Youth Category - Gold Medalist - Piano, Violin & Voice - USA

Aya is a piano student at the Punahou School under the instruction of Mr. Steven Casano. At ten years of age,  Aya entered her first piano competition, the 2019 Steinway Jr. Piano Competition, where she received 1st Prize. Aya has received multiple 1st Prize wins from the GCC (Best Chopin, Best Bach, Rising Talents of the World, and Artist of the Year). In August 2021, 2022, and 2023 she took 1st Prize in the Osaka International Music Competition (Hawai’i Regional Round). In 2023, she placed 1st in both Piano and Violin in the OIMC and HMTA Music Competition. Aya studies classical violin with Mr. Ignace Jang and Jazz violin from Mr. Duane Padilla. She enjoys attending Hawaii Youth Symphony (YS1) and PMI. Her most recent win was in the AVMC, where she won 1st prize and she performed at Carnegie Hall November 2023. Just recently, for her exemplary performance in the  BTHVN competition, she has been invited to perform in the Gala Concert in Vienna, Austria, in the Gläserner Saal of the Musikverein. 

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​Barbara Ban  - Professional Category - Silver Medalist - Voice (Music Cover) - Italy

Barbara Ban was born in Trieste, Italy in 1995. Music has always been an important part in her everyday life. She's a flute player and a singer. It all started after being inspired by Ian Anderson and Elton John. At the age of 13 she began her musical studies at the Conservatory of music "G. Tartini" in Trieste. In 2018 she obtained the master degree of flute at the Conservatory of music "J. Tomadini" in Udine with top grade (110/110).  During her Master years she also attended the course of jazz singing, always achieving highest marks (30/30). 

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