Young Concert Artists Names Composer-in-Residence for 2025

Composer Hannah Ishizaki will receive three commissions and management from YCA for the next three years

Young Concert Artists (YCA) has announced that its Composer-in-Residence for the period 2025-2027 will be Hannah Ishizaki. In 2025, more than 100 composers applied for the position, with Paul Novak, Sofia Ouyang, and Max Vinetz being selected as finalists.

As part of the post, Ishizaki will be commissioned to write three new works, with a total payment of $18,000. She will also collaborate with the YCA Jacobs Fellows, early-career musicians who are undertaking a holistic three-year program offering career support, industry connections, and performance opportunities.

Ishizaki's first two works in the role will be written for a current YCA artist, and she will work closely with that player throughout the process of composing the work. The premieres will then take place in either New York or Washington D.C.

The third and final commission will be written for a YCA alumnus, who will perform the world premiere. YCA is committed to facilitating multiple performances for new works and will use its resources to program a further 1-3 performances beyond the premiere. 

Alongside the commissions, Ishizaki has also signed a minimum three-year contract for artist management through YCA.

Ishizaki's works have been performed by Midori Goto, Ensemble Intercontemporain, The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, The Juilliard Orchestra, the National Sawdust, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Karen Gomyo, Nathan Meltzer, Kevin Zhu, Mira Wang, Guy Johnston, Sterling Elliot, and Umi Garrett.

She is currently a doctoral student at Princeton University, and her teachers have included David Ludwig and Chris Massa. She studied with Andrew Norman for composition and Areta Zhulla and Ronald Copes for violin at the Juilliard School, where she was the first composer to receive a Kovner Fellowship.

"I am excited to work alongside accomplished managers who will guide me in developing my artistic vision into a sustainable career while building meaningful relationships with orchestras, musicians, and presenters," Ishizaki said.

"From more than 100 applicants and four exceptional finalists, Hannah distinguished herself with her creative spark, breadth of expression, imagination, and robust artistic voice," said YCA President Daniel Kellogg. "She is also a keen and fantastic collaborator, passionate about connecting with and working alongside the brilliant performers on our roster and the entire YCA family. We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Hannah."