Participant
I-Hao Cheng
Violin
Accepted to the preliminary round of the 2026 Naumburg International Violin Competition.
Biography supplied for the 2026 competition.
I-Hao Cheng is a Taiwanese violinist recognized for his commanding technique, refined musical intelligence, and expressive artistry. His performances combine virtuosity with poetic sensitivity, establishing him as a compelling voice among the next generation of international violinists.
Cheng began his musical studies at age five in Taiwan and was admitted at twelve to the Eastman School of Music’s Pre-College Division, where he studied with Mikhail Kopelman. He later attended the Royal Conservatory of Music on full scholarship, studying with Victor Danchenko and Barry Shiffman.
In 2016, Cheng entered the Curtis Institute of Music, where he earned both his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees. His mentors have included Ida Kavafian, Midori Goto, Aaron Rosand, Arnold Steinhardt, Pamela Frank, and Gary Graffman. He currently studies with internationally acclaimed violinist Vadim Gluzman.
Cheng has served as concertmaster of the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, collaborating with distinguished conductors including Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Osmo Vänskä. His honors include the Grand Prize at the OneSong International Violin Competition, the Manfred Grommek-Förderpreis at the Kronberg Festival, two Chimei Art Awards, and the Audience Prize at the 2022 Singapore International Violin Competition. He has also appeared as Artist in Residence with the Taipei Symphony Orchestra.
As a chamber musician, Cheng has participated in leading international festivals including Kronberg Academy, Villars Academy, Taos School of Music, and Banff Centre.
Cheng performs on an exceptional G.B. Guadagnini violin generously entrusted to him by CANIMEX INC. of Drummondville, Québec.
Pianists
2026 International Violin Competition
Riko Higuma
, piano
Riko Higuma is a pianist and chamber musician whose performances have taken her throughout North and South America, Europe, Russia, and Japan. Her recital partners have included Ray Chen, Cho-Liang Lin, Steven Banks, Timothy Eddy, and Aaron Rosand. She has also worked with the New York Philharmonic in conductor and soloist rehearsals, including preparations for Lera Auerbach’s concerto with violinist Leonidas Kavakos and conductor Alan Gilbert.
A founding member of the Zodiac Trio, Higuma has performed with the ensemble at Ottawa Chamberfest, the Edinburgh Festival, Shanghai’s Oriental Performing Arts Center, and New York’s Merkin Hall. In 2012, the trio launched the Zodiac Music Academy & Festival in southern France, combining concerts with training for young musicians. Her own festival appearances include La Jolla SummerFest, Nagano-Aspen, and New Music on the Point.
Higuma won top prizes at the Jacob Flier and Santa Fe international piano competitions and appeared with the Fort Worth Symphony as a Van Cliburn Piano Institute Young Artist. She studied with Phillip Kawin at Manhattan School of Music and pursued chamber-music studies with the Ysaÿe Quartet in Paris.