2025 Concerto & Aria Competition Winners

Professor Emeritus Dr. David Taylor (Cheriton School of Computer Science) sponsors the biennial Concerto and Aria Competition that is organized by the Music Department at Conrad Grebel University College. The competition this year was held on Saturday, February 8. Of the 17 competitors, there were 10 pianists, 3 flutes, 2 violins, 1 clarinet, and 1 saxophone, representing students from across all disciplines at the University of Waterloo.
The two finalists this year were Bowei Zhang, a pianist in second year Data Science, and Jacob A. Lee, a pianist in second year Chemical Engineering. Bowei performed Saint Saens Piano Concerto No. 2 and Jacob performed Scriabin's Piano Concerto in F Sharp minor. Both finalists memorized their piece, an amazing feat. After each performer played their selected pieces for a second time in front of the judges, it was announced that Bowei Zhang was awarded first place, and Jacob A. Lee was awarded second. However, both of these pianists were awarded the same prize: the opportunity to perform their complete repertoire submission as guest soloist in a public concert with the orchestra@uwaterloo. Daniel Warren, the conductor of orchestra@uwaterloo, who was also a judge at the competition spoke about how “the level of the performances was extremely high. It was definitely on par or above any music faculty in the country”.
Bowei Zhang has been playing the piano for 11 years, and has played the trumpet for several years. He plays the trumpet with the orchestra@uwaterloo. He has completed his CCOM certificate for piano and music theory. Zhang has extensive performance experience, playing at recitals, school concerts, competitions, church services, and now the Concerto and Aria Competition.
Jacob A. Lee has been playing the piano for 12 years. He regularly participates in local, provincial, and national music competitions and festivals. He has completed his ARCT and is working towards completing his ARCT Harmony and Counterpoint, and ARCT Analysis. Through performance, Lee has engaged with his community and fund raised, and written essays in music and music history.
The Concerto and Aria Competition held at Conrad Grebel is a great chance for students to meet and connect with other students from different programs and alumni. It is also a great way to get experience with competitions and engage with the music community in Waterloo. The next Concerto and Aria concert will take place in February 2027. Students that participated this year and did not become a finalist are encouraged to try again in 2027.

Octavia Andrushko, Music Department Co-op Student