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
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
New Jersey Symphony to Make Rowan's Marie Rader Series Debut with "Life & Liberty" on July 22nd
(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- The Marie Rader Series will launch its 2026-27 season, entitled "Life & Liberty," with the New Jersey Symphony's Rowan University debut. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players featuring Rowan University Strings Faculty & Alumni will perform at Pfleeger Concert Hall. Showtime is 7:00pm.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Blues For Greeny and the music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Blues For Greeny - The Music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Dude Cervantes & The Panchos will open the night. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 7:30pm.
Shinedown to Play Shows in Newark and Philly in July
(NEWARK, NJ) -- One of the biggest bands in the world, Shinedown, will be releasing their brand new studio album EI8HT on May 29, 2026 (via Atlantic Records) and released the new song "Outlaw." In addition, they announced their massive Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour, taking the band to 11 countries across 54 dates, including local stops at Prudential Center in Newark on Tuesday, July 21st and Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 23rd.
Middletown Arts Center presents Reina Williams + The Remedy
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents a concert featuring Reina Williams + The Remedy on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Special guest performers Renee Maskin and Patrick Bamburak will open the show. Enjoy an evening of original music spanning reggae, hip-hop, soul, folk, Americana, and indie rock from some of New Jersey's most talented musicians. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Harmonium Choral Society presents "I Dreamed Last Night" on July 23rd
(MADISON, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Harmonium Choral Society presents I Dreamed Last Night. Directed by Lennie Watts with music direction by John Fischer, I Dreamed Last Night is a one woman show with Gloria Bangiola. There are songs and stories about dreams, hopes, wishes, ambitions, fantasies, nightmares, impossibilities and that big ol' American one we are all still working to make real. Showtime is 7:00pm.
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
FEATURED EVENTS
