FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2025
Contact: Lynn Provenzano: 915-449-0619 or lprovenzano@epsmf.org
El Paso, Texas–The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future (EPSMF) announces the winners for the 2025 Competition for Young Musicians and the recipients of the Instruments for Young Lives awards.
The Competition for Young Musicians calls to exceptionally talented students between the ages of eight and nineteen to compete for cash awards with classical music repertoire. The top award is $1800 followed by second and third place awards of $700 and $500. All of the finalists in this competition are recognized for their achievements. New step-up instruments are awarded to young musicians who demonstrate talent, commitment and unmet financial need through the Instruments for Young Lives program.
Awards were announced at the EPSMF Honoree Dinner on June 19, 2025 at Sunset Gardens in the Upper Valley of El Paso. Retired music educator, Diana Gillaland, was recognized and applauded for her decades of service to the children of El Paso through music education.
Competition performances were live and recorded on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Star City Sudio. Six finalists competed in this year’s competition.
The 2025 COMPETITION FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS standings are:
1st PLACE: Isabella Tosado-Díaz - piano
ISABELLA TOSADO-DIAZ -piano- is a 12th grade homeschooler and has played piano for seven years. Ever since she was little, she loved music and from the moment she first performed on stage, she knew she wanted to do that for the rest of her life. It brings her great joy to play for others since it allows her to connect with people in a way only music can. She also enjoys martial arts, painting, gymnastics, baking, decorating, designing and strategy games. She is grateful to God for this new chapter of life in beginning college. Her dream is to become a professional pianist and composer, growing as a musician, and to continue to share her love of music. Isabella was the 2nd place winner in the 2024 EPSMF Competition for Young Musicians.
2nd PLACE: Judy Caranto - piano
JANE CARANTO -piano- is a freshman in high school. She has been playing piano since she was seven, participating in numerous recitals and festivals. She recently won first place in the high school category for the Borderland Chopin Competition and will play in the TMTA Performance Competition as a semifinalist in Houston this summer. She has also won first place in Baroque competitions throughout the years. In addition to playing the piano, Jane is an avid reader, enjoys attending Kung Fu and Jiu Jitsu classes, started running, loves food, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She hopes to share her love of music to all through her program.
3rd PLACE: Oliver Su – piano
OLIVER SU -piano- is an active, dedicated and serious young boy who has been studying piano for the past five years. He started playing piano when he was six years old and tried his best to keep practicing every single day to reach his full potential. Due to some unexpected challenges during the COVID period, he had to pause his practice. However, in 2021, he resumed his piano journey after meeting his teacher, Anna Habicht. Over the past three years of studying with her, his skills have grown significantly, especially through focused technical practice. Additionally, he is a very active member of the El Paso Music Teachers Association and has participated in many recitals. He has also been recognized with awards in the Baroque contest. He believes that music is a lifelong gift—something always return to, even when we grow older and retire. “...being able to play the piano means having a way to express myself and find comfort and happiness throughout life.”
Recognition For Achievement: Angel Lin – piano
ANGEL LIN -piano- is a dedicated 13-year-old who has always had a passion for music. From a young age, she was inspired by watching her mother and older brother play the piano, sparking her own interest in learning the instrument. At age 11, she began proper piano lessons with Dr. Macchioni for a few months and later continued her studies with her current teacher, Joe Lecher. Recently, Angel competed at the Borderland Chopin Festival, where she earned third place. As a 7th grader at Hornedo Middle School, Angel balances her musical pursuits with academics and other activities. She plays first violin in her school’s top orchestra and previously led her 6th grade ensemble to success, earning a 1+ rating from the judges. She also received a 1+ rating for her solo performance. Outside of music, Angel is a competitive swimmer and enjoys staying active after school.
Recognition For Achievement: Nicolas Heiman Samaniego- piano
NICOLAS HEIMAN SAMANIEGO is a 16-year-old Sophomore who attends El Paso High. He began playing piano at the age of nine and is looking forward to continuing playing in the future. Over the past seven years, Nicolas has studied under several instructors and performed in local recitals, school concerts, and regional and state music festivals. His favorite composers include Chopin, Beethoven, and Debussy, which are reflected in the pieces he chooses to play. Outside of music, Nicolas is also a dedicated athlete. He plays as an outside back on his high school’s varsity soccer team and plays club soccer for Locomotive FC. He has been playing soccer for over a decade, and he believes that both music and sports teach focus, discipline, and creative expression in their own ways.
Recognition For Achievement: Bradley Yoshawirja - piano
BRADLEY YOSHAWIRJA -piano- is a fifth grader in Polk Elementary's dual language program. From a family of classical musicians and ballet dancers, Bradley showed an interest in piano at an early age. At five, he began studying piano with Anna Habicht. He placed 3rd in his category in the 2023 Borderland Chopin Festival and placed 1st in 2025. Bradley was also a finalist in the 2024 EPSMF Competition for Young Musicians. In addition to numerous recitals, sonatina and solo festivals, and the annual baroque music competitions, Bradley has also accompanied Company ballet class at El Paso Ballet Theatre. Bradley likes music with interesting and complex rhythms. When he’s not playing piano, Bradley enjoys tennis and golf, and he competes regularly in local tournaments. He follows Formula 1 racing and listens to country music in the car while on his way to his many lessons and activities. Bradley loves building LEGO with his sister, and they are both avid birdwatchers. One of his favorite ways to spend rare free time is to travel to any special location with his family to identify and watch birds.
2025 INSTRUMENTS FOR YOUNG LIVES AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT
This year’s instrument recipients are:
Samuel Duke Griñé – CC Tuba
Samuel Duke Griñé is a sophomore at Coronado High School. He has been studying tuba for eight years. He also plays the cello, bass trombone and bass. He is currently in the Coronado High School Marching Band, Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, Choir and Concert/Wind Symphony Band. He also plays with the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra. Duke’s musicianship is recognized with his All Region accomplishments. “Being able to receive a CC tuba...would allow me to take a step into a whole new world, allowing me to experience the true reality of my instrument and my abilities.”
Applications for the 2025-2026 Competition for Young Musicians and Instruments for Young Lives Program will be available in September 2025.
Watch for announcements regarding EPSMF competitions, events, and application deadlines.
The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future is a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging generations through quality classical music programs.
EPSMF events are made possible with the support of the City of El Paso Museum Cultural Affairs, El Paso Community Foundation and generous contributions from members of the community.