Cate Performing Arts Highlights
March 28, 2025
From left: Mo Kanda-Gleeson ’26, Dr. Clarissa Shan, Coco Kliman ’26, and Elise Tsai ’26.
Claire ’26
Vocalists
This past weekend, the Cate vocal music program was active both regionally and nationally. Four of our junior singers, Mo Kanda-Gleeson, Coco Kliman, Elise Tsai, and Claire Ziebart, were invited to the second round of the Southern California Vocal Association Solo Competition after scoring high enough in the first round. Mo, Coco, and Elise sang for and worked with Dr. Clarissa Shan from Concordia University Irvine with hopes of moving on to the final round in May. Claire was unable to attend the second round, but for a very good reason as she was participating in the American Choral Directors Association National Honor Choir in Texas. Thanks to these four for representing Cate with skill and passion!
Musicians
Three Cate student musicians have accomplished amazing individual achievements over the previous few months.
Elise Tsai ’26 earned a spot as one of the top classical bassists in the Southern California region after earning a spot with the SCBOA Honors Orchestra. The concert was on February 8 in Anaheim, Calif., and was led by conductor Kevin Noe of the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble. Elise joined students from the top arts schools in Los Angeles and Orange County. View the concert below:
Emil Arconian ’26 participated in the prestigious Spotlight competition on Dec 14 and 15, 2024. It is an annual program sponsored by the Los Angeles Performing Art Center. Spotlight is a nationally-recognized young adult artistic development program that draws talent from across the west coast. Emil made it through two rounds of competition and into the quarterfinals in the jazz piano category. He played two jazz pieces, Minority and Like Someone in Love. He looks forward to participating in the program again next year. More Information
Oliver Zheng ’27 placed in two composition competitions for his original piece titled “Cinque.” In the Music International Grand Prix competition, he was a finalist for the Teen Composition. The Music International Grand Prix is an international music competition for Voice, Piano, Strings, Winds & Brass, Ensembles, Original Composition, and World Music. Contestants enter from around the world and vie for a spot as a Finalist in NYC. The 1st place winners perform at the Winners Concert at Kaufman Music Center. Stay tuned to see if Oliver makes it to New York! More Information
Also, Oliver was a silver prize winner in the Couperin Competition. According to the site, the “Couperin International Music Competition stands as an online musical event with the objective of thoroughly testing the virtuosity and artistic brilliance of participants across a diverse range of Instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music, spanning all nationalities and nations.” Congrats to Oliver!
In case you missed it, check out Cate’s Performing Arts Talent Showcase at the Alcazar Theater from February 22!