Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 08/30/2022
(WAYNE, PA) -- Tenafly NJ violinist Ria Kang took top honors in the Under-13 Age Division with a precociously polished performance at the Philadelphia International Music Festival Concerto Competition this summer at historic Valley Forge Military Academy & College in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
The 6-year-old dazzled the judges and demonstrated skill and technique well beyond her years on the first movement, “Allegro,” of J.S. Bach’s Violin Concerto in A minor, BMW 1041. The incoming second-grader at Walter Stillman Elementary School is continuing her study of the work.
“I’m working on the same piece still, but now it’s the third movement,” Ria explained weeks after winning first place at the prestigious festival. “The second movement makes me feel happy when I play it, and also a little bit sad at times because it has these melodic parts that do that. I like the slow parts because I can sort of feel the music more.”
With the win, Ria earned a substantial scholarship to PIMF’s 14-day Violin Intensive next summer and a featured performance on PIMF’s YouTube channel (shown above). She’ll also take the stage in the annual PIMF Winners Circle Concert with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
The adjudication panel for PIMF’s July Concerto Competition consisted of: Kimberly Fisher, Principal Second Violin of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Artistic Director of the Philadelphia International Music Festival; Priscilla Lee, Associate Principal Cello of The Philadelphia Orchestra; and Grammy-nominated pianist Dr. Mark Livshits.
A host of principal players and other members of The Philadelphia Orchestra make up the faculty at PIMF’s summer program and were a big draw for the young violinist as well as for students who flock to it from all over the world. Ria was one of the youngest musicians ever to attend the program.
“I don’t use the word ‘prodigy’ often. Every young musician that has attended PIMF over the past 25 years has demonstrated a prodigious work ethic and dedication,” said PIMF president Sandy Marcucci. “But it is certainly rare to see the skill level Ria already demonstrates at such a tender age - as well as her joy in sharing it!”
Ria’s mother, Nicole Kim, said that after spending almost half of the two-and-a-half years she’s been studying violin playing to a screen - her daughter relished the camp’s ample performance opportunities. “She started violin right before the pandemic hit,” Ms. Kim related, “and she did a couple of months in person but during the pandemic she had only online lessons for a year. She resumed in-person lessons in June last year. It was hard.”
Her mom has already suggested that perhaps Ria could double major in college, but Ria is firm about her intention to be a full-time musician: “I’m never going to stop!” she said – already setting her sights on Juillard or Curtis.
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 faculty included this year the following members of The Philadelphia Orchestra (amongst a host of others): David Kim, Concertmaster; Marc Rovetti, Assistant Concertmaster; Kimberly Fisher, Principal Second Violin; Hai-Ye Ni, Principal Cellist; Priscilla Lee, Associate Principal Cello; Nathaniel West, Acting Assistant Principal Bass; Patrick Williams, Associate Principal Flute; Ricardo Morales, Principal Clarinet; Mark Gigliotti, Co-Principal Bassoon; Jeffrey Lang, Associate Principal Horn; Matthew Vaughn, Co-Principal Trombone; and Angela Zator Nelson, Associate Principal Timpani. Boris Allakhverdyan, Principal Clarinet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic is also on faculty each summer.
EVENT PREVIEWS
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.
Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
FEATURED EVENTS
