International string competition at WMU celebrates 50 years of musical excellence, cultural exchange

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The 50th Stulberg International String Competition wrapped up May 17 with a celebration at Western Michigan University’s Dalton Center Recital Hall, marking a landmark moment for one of the world’s premier showcases for string musicians under 20.

This year’s competition signaled a strengthening of global ties and an expansion of its educational mission, highlighted by increased international collaboration. The event reached a historic milestone with more than 120,000 global livestream views.

Top honors announced

The competition’s highest honors were awarded to a group of distinguished young musicians. The following are their awards, name, age, school and teacher:

• Gold Medal: Laurentia Woo, violin, 17, New Jersey, Itzhak Perlman and Areta Zhulla, Juilliard Pre-College program and Perlman Music Program.
• Silver Medal: Zekai Chen, violin, 15, China, Ming’en Zhou, the Music Middle School Affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music
• Bronze Medal: Oliver Mar, cello, 14, New Zealand, Dr. Clara Minhye Kim, Juilliard Pre-College program
• Julius & Esther Stulberg Memorial Prize: Lauren Yoon, violin, 16, New Jersey, Masao Kawasaki, Juilliard Pre-College program. 

As part of its educational focus, the gold medalist Woo will be mentored by renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine in preparation for the world premiere of “Legacy Concerto,” the first commissioned work in the competition’s history, composed by Lucas Richman.

Founded in 1975 to honor Dr. Julius Stulberg, a longtime WMU violin professor and conductor of both the University Symphony Orchestra and the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra, the Stulberg International String Competition has welcomed nearly 2,500 young musicians over five decades. The Stulberg has earned a reputation for assembling world-class jurors, including this year’s internationally acclaimed cellist Li-Wei Qin, the first cellist originally from China to serve on the panel.

“This competition showcases the future of classical music, and I was deeply inspired by the young musicians’ bravery and exceptional performances,” Qin says.

Western played a pivotal role in this year’s celebration. Daniel Guyette, dean of the College of Fine Arts, opened the livestream broadcast, noting, “This milestone is deeply meaningful to us—not only because we’ve had the privilege of hosting the competition for many years, but because it was founded in memory of Julius Stulberg, a beloved professor of violin at our University. His legacy continues to resonate through the young artists who take the stage each year, carrying forward his passion for excellence and education.”

The state of Michigan also formally recognized the 50th anniversary, with Rep. Julie M. Rogers and Sen. Sean McCann presenting a legislative tribute on behalf of state leadership.

“Kalamazoo has become synonymous with excellence in showcasing young string player talent. We really appreciate all of your dedication being here,” Rogers says.

"It's a fantastic honor to represent this amazing community that punches well above its weight class in the arts, and this is just a testament—the 50th anniversary of the Stulberg Competition is just a huge piece of that,” adds McCann.

Broadcasts, collaborations highlight anniversary celebration

The event also featured a new pre-show broadcast, “Countdown to Stulberg,” produced and hosted by Dr. Sophie Tang, WMU assistant professor of violin and a Stulberg board member. In addition to exclusive judge interviews, historical reflections and student performances, the broadcast offered expert commentary and behind-the-scenes insight into preparing for high-level competition, providing invaluable guidance for aspiring musicians and audiences alike. The two-hour broadcast featured interviews with the 2025 judges, as well as Guyette; Lynn Chen-Zhang, CEO of Zhang Financial and WMU trustee; Megan Yankee, Stulberg president; Jessica Mallow Gulley, Kalamazoo Symphony president; and Barry Ross, Stulberg board member, along with competitor highlights and reflections on the competition’s history.

"As we celebrate 50 years, our legacy finds vibrant new expression in the extraordinary talent of young string musicians, now amplified through a powerful partnership with China, creating a truly remarkable harmony for the future," Yankee says.

Trustee Chen-Zhang and Charles Zhang, founder and president of Zhang Financial, sponsored the Cello Judge Chair and traveled to Chicago with Qin to select a rare 1741 David Tecchler cello, which was featured throughout the competition weekend.

“Music education is more than the preservation of art; it’s a powerful bridge for connection, growth and global cultural exchange. The Stulberg embodies the artistic soul of Kalamazoo, and I’m proud to support its mission,” says trustee Chen-Zhang.

“Supporting young musicians at the highest level takes more than funding; it demands passion, collaboration and vision. Being part of Li-Wei’s cello selection journey was deeply meaningful to us, and we’re proud to help bring this story to life for audiences around the world,” adds Zhang.

That journey was captured in a short documentary, co-directed by Tang, which is set for release this year.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.