Meadowmount School of Music Names Gurrena Fellow

Violinist Kento Hong has been awarded the school’s Gurrena Fellowship with $50,000

Founded by Ivan Galamian, the Meadowmount School of Music is a seven-week summer program for violinists, violists, and cellists aged 10 to 30. Its third annual Gurrena Fellowship of $50,000 has been awarded to Japanese-Taiwanese American violinist Kento Hong.

The Gurrena Fellowship was created in 2022 in memory of David and Linda Barnebl to support and encourage exceptionally talented students to succeed in their professional careers.

As this year’s winner, Hong will receive financial support and mentorship, and perform in concerts supported by Meadowmount. He will also collaborate and train with the Meadowmount faculty for the upcoming year and the 2025 summer session.

Born in 2006, Hong began violin studies at age six with Aimee Kreston; since the age of 10, he has studied at Juilliard’s pre-college division with Dr. Ann Setzer. Recently, he was selected as a finalist participant in the Kronberg Academy Masterclass 2023 and was a guest artist on NPR’s From The Top. 

Hong’s accolades include prizes at the 2021 Yehudi Menuhin International Competition, the 2022 Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition, and the 2024 Arthur Grumiaux Competition. He is also a 2024 National YoungArts Finalist and has won first prizes at the Chicago International Violin Competition, Camerata Artists International Competition, and the Chappaqua Orchestra Concerto Competition. 

“We are thrilled to award the 2024 Gurrena Fellowship to violinist Kento Hong,” said Meadowmount’s Artistic Director, Janet Sung in the press release. “Kento is a highly engaging and impressive performer whose prodigious talent shows that the future of music is very bright. We look forward to supporting Kento as he embarks on this next phase of his musical career.”

“I am beyond thrilled and honored to receive the 2024 Gurrena Fellowship,” Hong expressed. “Attending Meadowmount over the past three summers — from 2022 to 2024 — has been transformative for me as both a musician and individual. Working extensively with Dr. Ann Setzer at Meadowmount expanded my artistry during these crucial pre-college years and has connected me with an inspiring musical community of friends and collaborators. I’m deeply grateful to Meadowmount and everyone who has supported me; I look forward to carrying this experience forward.”

“We are grateful to Linda Gurrena Barnebl for her leadership in recognizing and supporting excellent young musicians at an important point in their early careers” added Executive Director Genevieve Twomey. “Kento Hong is a profoundly talented and inspiring violinist whose impact on Meadowmount has been notable. His presence on stage as a soloist and chamber musician is both compelling and impressive.”