The Kingston Chamber Music Festival is proud to continue its tradition of supporting emerging musicians The Kingston Chamber Music Festival is proud to continue its tradition of supporting emerging musicians artistry as part of the Festival’s summer programming. This year’s recital will feature pianist Clara Chen, flutist Cynthia Zhang, and pianist Aavi Sircar, three accomplished young artists whose dedication and musicality reflect KCMF’s longstanding commitment to education, mentorship, and artistic growth. The Young Artist Mini Recital will take place on Friday, July 24 from 6:30–7:00 PM, immediately preceding Concert 1: 250 Years—A Chamber Music Journey from 1776 to Modern America. Presented in an intimate pre-concert setting, the recital offers audiences a chance to experience the next generation of musicians in a professional festival environment.
Cynthia Zhang, a flutist studying with Judy Grant, is an Honors Student at the Boston Flute Academy and performs with the Boston Youth Symphony, the organization’s highest-level orchestra. She was a finalist in the 2025 BYSO Concerto Competition and previously served as principal flute of the Rhode Island Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Cynthia has earned first place in flute at the Rhode Island All-State Music Festival for three consecutive years and has attended summer programs including the BU Tanglewood Institute and Luzerne Music Center.
Pianist Clara Chen, age 16, is a rising senior at The Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. She studies with Marcantonio Barone and has performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. Clara has received numerous honors in regional and national competitions and is an active chamber musician, performing as a member of the Myer Schwartz Piano Trio, recent Gold Medalists at the Bösendorfer Youth Music Festival. In addition to her musical achievements, she is deeply engaged in leadership and outreach, supporting music education initiatives for students worldwide.
Pianist Aavi Sircar, age 14, is an eighth-grade student from Malvern, Pennsylvania, who studies with James Anemone. A winner of the 2025 London International Chopin Competition, Aavi has performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, the Curtis Institute of Music, and venues throughout the United States and Europe. He has appeared as a soloist with several orchestras and has participated in prestigious programs including PianoTexas, the Oberlin Summer Piano Festival, and the Cleveland Institute of Music Young Artist Piano Seminar.
The Young Artist Mini Recital reflects KCMF’s broader mission to nurture young talent and provide meaningful opportunities for growth and performance. Through programs like this, as well as the Festival’s partnership with the URI Summer Music Academy, KCMF continues to invest in the next generation of musicians—offering mentorship, performance opportunities, and pathways into the professional music world.
We invite audiences to arrive early for Concert 1 and experience this special performance, and to explore the full range of educational programs that remain central to the Kingston Chamber Music Festival’s mission.
