The winners of the 2025 Nā Hōkū ʻŌpio “Young Stars” competition include ʻIolani School students: Iris Yun, a harpist, and Lei Yao Chang, a cellist, according an an announcement from the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra.
The Nā Hōkū ʻŌpio “Young Stars” competition is run by HSO and has no connection to the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards hosted by the Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts.
The performers will take the stage as featured soloists with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra at Symphony in the Park on Wednesday, July 9, at Kailua District Park. The event, which starts at 5:30 p.m. and is free to the public, is the debut for HSO’s Summer Festival.
The HSO Nā Hōkū ʻŌpio “Young Stars” competition is held annually for high school seniors who are full-time residents of Hawaiʻi. The competition is open to strings, voice, woodwinds, brass, percussion and harp, according to HSO’s website.
Submitted videos for the competition must be less than 10 minutes and a concerto with an existing orchestral arrangement.
Yun has been learning harp since she was eight years old.
“I have dreamed of performing and sharing my love of music with others and am extremely grateful to have been chosen as a winner of the Nā Hōkū `Ōpio Young Stars Competition, giving me a chance to connect with other musicians and music lovers,” said Yun, in a written statement. “I hope to move and inspire people with music just as I have been inspired by my mentors, role models, and peers throughout the years.”
HSO also offers side-by-side performances, where students get a chance to share music stands with professional musicians who are part of the symphony.
“Many of the esteemed musicians in HSO have been part of my musical journey, be it through the ʻIolani quartet and orchestra, or through HYS side-by-sides,” Chang said. “Being able to play music and perform with so many of those musicians truly means a lot to me.”
Know a musician or singer who would be a good fit for 2026 competition? Encourage them to apply.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
