We are thrilled to present this year’s winners, who have captivated the judges with their exceptional performances. Each winner has displayed extraordinary musicality, technical proficiency, and a deep emotional connection to their chosen pieces. Their performances were nothing short of enchanting, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. As a testament to their hard work and talent, the winners will perform alongside the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra at the Stars of Tomorrow Concert. This collaboration is not only a significant milestone in their musical journeys but also a moment of inspiration for future musicians. The winners’ performances will undoubtedly be a highlight of the concert season, showcasing the promising future of classical music.
Abby Deeter
The 2024-25 season marks Abby Deeter’s ninth year as a devoted cellist. A senior at Lindbergh High School, she plays in Lindbergh’s Symphony Orchestra and its beloved performing group, Strolling Strings. Abby feels incredibly honored to have been selected for the Missouri All-State Orchestra in 2023, 2024, and 2025. She has also served as the principal cellist of both the Young People’s Symphonic Orchestra (YPSO) and the Lindbergh Symphony Orchestra for two years—roles that have taught her so much about leadership and collaboration.
Chamber music is another passion of Abby’s. She performs as the cellist in the Raemonia Competition Quartet through the Webster Preparatory Program and in the Lindbergh High School String Quartet. Abby is especially excited for the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall in April 2025 with YPSO, an experience she still can’t quite believe is real. She has also been fortunate to receive Honorable Mention in both the UMSL Concerto Competition and the Stars of Tomorrow Concerto Competition. In spring 2025, Abby is thrilled to be performing Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Cellos with the Lindbergh High School Symphony Orchestra alongside her close friend Holly Davis. Additionally, she has earned gold ratings for her solo performances at the 2022, 2023, and 2024 State Solo and Ensemble competitions.
Some of Abby’s favorite musical experiences have been playing in the pit orchestra for her high school’s theater productions, where she loves helping bring stories to life through music. Outside of music, Abby enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee and spending quality time with her family, especially her identical twin.
Abby is incredibly thankful for the people who have guided and supported her musical journey. Kurt Baldwin, her private instructor, has been instrumental in her growth as a musician and in navigating auditions throughout high school. She is also grateful to Tara Landers, her high school orchestra director, and Michelle Howard, who introduced her to fiddle music, for encouraging her to take risks and explore different styles. Abby would also like to thank Vera Parkin for being such a brilliant and kind accompanist over the past few years. Lastly, she will always treasure the lessons she learned from her first private instructor, Jo Ellen Lyons, who sparked her love for the cello.
Above all else, Abby wants to thank her family, especially her parents, Kristie and Cris Deeter, for always cheering her on, driving her to countless rehearsals and lessons, and believing in her every step of the way.
Charis Shing
A 13-year-old violinist, began her musical journey at the age of four and has been studying with Ms. Joo Kim since 2021.
At the age of 10, Charis made her public solo debut with the Alton Symphony Orchestra as the recipient of the Deborah Fox Guild Award. Her success continued in 2023 when she performed with the Community Music School of Webster University’s Young People’s Symphonic Orchestra after winning the YPSO Concerto Competition. In 2024, she was honored to appear as a soloist with both the Town and Country Symphony Orchestra and the University City Symphony Orchestra.
Charis is deeply grateful for the invaluable mentorship of Ms. Joo Kim and the unwavering support of those who have guided her, including Laura Holzen, Vera Parkin, Rebecca Pantano, and Annette Burkhart.
Zachary Barshay
Has been playing piano since the age of 12. What started as a self-taught hobby, turned into a loving passion for piano, and music. Zachary is also heavily involved with the fine arts department at his high school. He is the principal french horn in his Wind Ensemble, principal mellophone for the Marching Band, and the principal piano player for all bands at his high school. When not playing piano, Zachary is actively involved with his school’s sports and electives. He is a varsity Cross Country and Track/Field distance athlete, and was elected as the Corps Commander for his JROTC Unit IL-20083. Over his course at the high school, Zachary has been nominated for numerous awards, including ILMEA All State Honors Orchestra and Band, ILMEA District Band and Orchestra, MVC Honors Band, McKendree Honors Chamber Ensemble, 1st place for Solo and Ensemble festival, Military Association award, the First Sergeants award, Regional, Sectional, and State runner, and the highest attainable rank in JROTC, just to name a few. Outside of school, Zachary studies with Dr Angela Kim at SIUE, who has prepared him for excellence in music. Some of his accomplishments with her include, Charleston international Piano Competition, AD Lipton Piano Competition, George N. Tuerck Concerto Competition, ILMEA All State Honors Piano, and multiple recitals held through multiple states. Beside music, Zachary also participates in Boy Scouts, holding the high possible rank, Eagle Scout. His project involved mass teamwork from VFWs and his school district, to ultimately donate over 400 items for Veterans at Jefferson Barracks. From Zachary, “Thank you to all who made everything I’ve done possible. My school teachers, piano teachers, coaches, scoutmasters, friends and family. Without you I would not be what I am today. Words really cannot describe how thankful I am for all of you, however thank you and bless you”