Waterbury Symphony Orchestra Announces Winner of the 7th Annual Thomas C. Clark Young Artist Competition

The 10 young flutists pose with WSO Music Director & Conductor Maestro Leif Bjaland and WSO Board Chair Thomas C. Clark at the 7th Annual Thomas C. Clark Young Artist Competition held on November 8, 2026, in Waterbury, Connecticut. From L to R: Stella Kahnis, Purchase College Conservatory of Music • Dayeon Namkoong, University of Hartford-The Hartt School • Yufei Chen, University of Miami-Frost School of Music • Sooah Jeon, Juilliard Pre-College • Peyton Ray, The New School-Mannes School of Music • Leif Bjaland • Thomas C. Clark • Ilya Perepelitsa, Yale School of Music • Natalie Spitzer, New York University-Steinhardt School • Emma Ross, University of Hartford-The Hartt School • Yeonseo Kim, Manhattan School of Music • Yujin Chang, Indiana University-Jacobs School of Music.

---

Flutist Yeonseo Kim earns the opportunity to perform with the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra in March 2027.

WSO Music Director & Conductor Maestro Leif Bjaland, Yeonseo Kim of the Manhattan School of Music and WSO Board Chair Thomas C. Clark

The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra is delighted to announce Yeonseo Kim of the Manhattan School of Music as the winner of the 7th Annual Thomas C. Clark Young Artist Competition, "Year of the Flute" held on November 8, 2026, in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Ten exceptional young flutists from across the country competed for the opportunity to perform as a featured soloist with the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra. Following an impressive preliminary round, three musicians advanced to the semifinal round: Ilya Perepelitsa, Sooah Jeon, and Yeonseo Kim. After an outstanding display of musicianship and artistry, Kim was selected as this year's winner.

Currently studying at the Manhattan School of Music with renowned flutist Linda Chesis, Kim previously studied flute with Gloria Jeeeun Park in Korea. Her musical interests span solo and orchestral performance, with a particular passion for expressive playing and communicating emotion through music.

As the winner, Kim will perform Carl Nielsen's Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, FS 119, with the WSO on Sunday, March 14, 2027, at 3:00 p.m. The performance will take place at the Fine Arts Center at CT State Community College in Waterbury.

Established through the generosity of WSO Board Chair Thomas C. Clark, the annual competition provides exceptional emerging musicians with a rare opportunity to perform alongside professional orchestra musicians before a live audience. Each year, Mr. Clark and WSO Music Director & Conductor Maestro Leif Bjaland select a featured instrument and concerto, inviting talented young performers to compete for this prestigious opportunity.

The competition reflects the WSO's ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of classical musicians and providing meaningful opportunities for young artists to share their talents with the community.

Join us in congratulating Yeonseo Kim on this outstanding achievement! We look forward to welcoming her to the WSO stage in March for what promises to be an extraordinary afternoon of music.

Save the Date: Sunday, March 14, 2027 | 3:00 p.m.

Fine Arts Center, CT State Community College, Waterbury, Connecticut

For concert information and tickets, visit waterburysymphony.org.