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Shaker Heights Tween Receives Honorable Mention in International Music Competition
A University School Middle School cellist has bested competitors from all over the world to place in the prestigious competition.
The prestigious Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF) awarded over $50,000 USD in scholarships and performance opportunities this past year to young musicians who took top spots in PIMF’s Concerto Competitions, online and at its summer festivals.
Daniel Chiang, 11, of Cleveland, Ohio, won Honorable Mention in the Ages 6-11 Division in PIMF’s latest Concerto Competition and is awarded instant acceptance to the program of his choice at PIMF’s intensive classical music training camp featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Daniel is also invited to take part in the Winners Circle Concert with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Daniel’s performance of the first movement of Henri Cassadesus’ Concerto in C minor in the style of J.C. Bach impressed the judges.
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“I love the strong, dramatic opening chord and the many lyrical lines throughout the piece,” Daniel told us. “I especially enjoy the contrast between the bold and expressive sections. I hope listeners can hear the different characters and contrasting themes in the music.”
A gifted musician, Daniel discovered the cello 5 years ago and has studied piano as well. The 6th grader at University School Middle School has served in a leadership role at its String Orchestra and plays in the University School String Quartet. And he sings in the Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus!
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“Music is something I truly enjoy, and it gives me a way to express my emotions,” Daniel explained. “It also allows me to connect and share meaningful experiences with other musicians. My goal is to share music with the world so that people can enjoy it.”
ABOUT The Philadelphia International Music Festival:
The Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF) is a resident summer music program directed by Kimberly Fisher, Principal Second Violin of The Philadelphia Orchestra, offering student musicians from around the world the unique opportunity of spending up to four weeks immersed in music education and performance training with members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra.
PIMF offers summer camp programs on Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line. Enrollment is underway for in-person one-week and two-week sessions at Valley Forge Military Academy and College (just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US) June 20 – July 3, 2026 and July 12 – July 18 -31, 2026; and for PIMF Vanoli Cremona in Italy August 4-14, 2026.
Chat online for additional information at: pimf.org or phone: 856.875.6816.
The Philadelphia International Music Festival is a program of Sandy Marcucci International Camps, Inc.