Mio Imai, age 13, studies violin with Kimberly Fisher, the principal second violin of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Mio made her first appearance as a soloist with the New York Session Symphony at the age of 9, followed by Rowan String Ensemble of Rowan University, Temple University Youth Chamber Orchestra, Old York Road Symphony, Ambler Symphony, Main Line Symphony Orchestra, Bucks County Symphony Orchestra in the US, and FVG Orchestra, Accademia d’Archi Arrigoni in Italy.

Mio won the 1st prize in 2023 Piccolo Violino Magico International Competition for Young Violinists (Italy) and the 2024 MTNA National Competition (US). Mio is also a former major prize winner at the Leonid Kogan International Competition (Belgium; 2nd prize) and the Chicago Violin International Competition (US; 3rd prize).

Mio has played in Masterclasses for renowned violinists and string quartets, including Ida Kavafian, Karen Aroutiounian, Takacs Quartet, Robert Chen and Juliette Kang. She received a full scholarship from Starling Foundation for 2024 Meadowmount School of Music. Mio plays chamber and orchestral music in Center for Gifted Young Musicians Program, Temple University.

PROGRAM

SEMIFINALS
Pablo de Sarasate        Zigeunerweisen Op. 20

FINALS
Henri Wieniawski        Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22
II. Romance: Andante non troppo
III. Allegro con fuoco – Allegro moderato

BACH
J.S. Bach.      Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006
II. Loure
III. Gavotte en Rondeau