SHOWCASING HAWAI'I'S TALENT:
Nā Hōkū ‘Ōpio “Young Stars” Competition Winners
A new generation of artistry is taking center stage.
Your Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra is proud to introduce the winners of this year’s Nā Hōkū ‘Ōpio “Young Stars” Competition - three exceptional young artists representing the future of Hawai‘i’s musical landscape. Selected from a talented pool of statewide applicants, these students will join the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra this summer for an unforgettable performance experience.
2026 Nā Hōkū ‘Ōpio Winners:
Pyeonggeun “Roy” Kim, Clarinet
Ian Jun, Cello
Kolleen Roessig, Composer
For the first time, the competition proudly introduces a composer category, expanding its mission to not only showcase performance excellence, but also celebrate original musical voices from Hawai‘i’s youth.
About the Artists
Pyeonggeun “Roy” Kim, clarinet
An 11th grade student at Saint Louis School, Roy is a dedicated clarinetist and member of Hawai‘i Youth Symphony I. Having begun his musical journey in 8th grade, he studies under Lynne Nakaura, Max Arakaki, and Alice Yeji Choi. Roy has earned multiple honors through the Oahu Band Directors Association and performs regularly with the Saint Louis Marching and Honors Concert Bands, as well as the Hawaii ClariFest All-Clarinet Ensemble. Passionate about both orchestral and solo performance, Roy will perform Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra.
Ian Jun, cello
A 17-year-old cellist, Ian studies with Nancy Masaki and Sung Chan Chang. He is an accomplished soloist and chamber musician, having participated in the Hawaii Chamber Music Festival under the direction of violinist Stefan Jackiw. Ian has received numerous accolades, including recognition in the 2025–2026 MTNA Competition. A leader among his peers, he previously served as co-principal cellist of Hawai‘i Youth Symphony I and is currently principal cellist of the Punahou Symphony Orchestra. This summer, he will further his studies at Interlochen’s prestigious Cello Intensive program.
Kolleen Roessi, composer
A graduating senior in the Class of 2026, Kolleen brings a fresh and imaginative voice as the competition’s composer category winner. She began composing at sixteen, inspired by a lifelong love of music that started with piano at age six and expanded to violin and music theory. Influenced by live orchestral performances, ballet, and opera, Kolleen is passionate about storytelling through music. She will attend Southern Methodist University this fall, where she plans to pursue film scoring, while also performing in the university’s marching band.
Nā Hōkū ‘Ōpio “Young Stars” is an annual statewide competition open to Hawai‘i-based high school students (grades 10–12), offering a rare opportunity to perform solo repertoire alongside a full symphony orchestra. Open to strings, voice, woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp - and now composition - the program continues to nurture the next generation of local talent.
Join us this summer as these remarkable young artists take the stage with your Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra.
Celebrate the future of music in Hawai‘i.
Sunday, July 12 | 7:30 PM
Pacific Music Institute Side-by-Side
Featuring HSO's Nā Hōkū ʻŌpio Young Stars Winners
Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall
FREE ENTRY WITH RSVP
