March 31, 2026
Contact: Lynn Provenzano: 915-449-0619 or lprovenzano@epsmf.org
El Paso, Texas–The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future (EPSMF) announces six finalists for the 2026 Competition for Young Musicians. This competition calls to exceptionally talented students between the ages of eight and nineteen to compete for cash awards with classical music repertoire. The competition has grown to cross borders with local, national, and international applications. The top award is $1800 and the opportunity to perform in EPSMF’s events followed by second and third place awards of $700 and $500. All finalists in this competition will be recognized for their achievements.
Competition performances will be live and recorded on Sunday, May 10, 2026, starting at 3PM at Star City Studios, 120 W Castellano Dr Suite A, El Paso, TX 79912. The public is invited to attend. Free admission, Donations welcome.
The 2026 Competition Finalists are:
Judy Caranto - piano
Judy Caranto is eighteen and a freshman at El Paso Community College. She has been studying with Anna Habicht, is active with the El Paso Music Teachers Association, and has performed in several Solo and Sonatina Festivals, the Borderland Chopin Competition, and the El Paso Society for Young Musician Competition.
Madeleine Luffey – violin
Madeleine Luffey is fifteen, in the ninth grade and is homeschooled. She studies with Dr. Stephen Nordstrom and has participated in Suzuki Institute programs, the UTEP String Project and numerous music camps, workshops, and master classes.
Ittai Schweiger - piano
Ittai Schweiger is eighteen and a senior at Coronado High School. He studies with Anna Habicht, He plays with his church band ensemble and has participated in competitions, including the Borderland Chopin Competition and the El Paso Society for Young Musicians Competition.
Francisco Soto - piano
Francisco Soto is fourteen and an eighth grader at Eastwood Middle School. He studies with Anna Habicht. He sings in the Tenor Bass Choir for Eastwood Middle School and made first alternate for the UIL All Region Jazz Band for Piano.
Sean Villalobos - piano
Sean Villalobos is ten and fourth grader at Mesita Elementary School. He studies with Mario Monteros. He has competed in the El Paso Conservatory of Music Competitions and has been an Honorary Guest Pianist at the Magoffin Home State Historic Site.
Bradley Yoshawirja - piano
Bradley Yoshawirja is twelve and a sixth grader at iUniversity Prep. He studies with Anna Habicht, and has participated in the Borderland Chopin Festival, the El Paso Society for Young Musicians Competition, and in local Solo and Sonatina Festivals.
The 2026 INSTRUMENTS FOR YOUNG LIVES AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT
This year’s instrument recipients are:
Penelope Feldman – double bass
Penelope Feldman is sixteen and an 11th grader at Burges High School. She studies with Nathan T, Black, and currently plays with the El Paso Youth Symphony Orchestra. She is the 2026 TMEA All-State 5A Concert Band principal bassist. Her hopes, dreams, and aspirations “include performing as a professional orchestral musician…I believe that experience would challenge me to grow both as a musician and as a colleague, pushing me to reach a higher level of artistry.”
Ivan Navarro – viola
Ivan Navarro is sixteen and an 11th grader at Socorro High School. He studies with Aime De Anda and has consistently qualified in UIL Solo and Ensemble State competitions and has ranked well in the TMEA All-Regions. He plays with the Socorro High School Junior Varsity Orchestra. His future aspiration “is to become a great musician but, not only performing, otherwise stating the importance of music in every aspect.”
Juan Comos-Rios – tenor trombone w/ f-attachment
Juan Comos-Rios is seventeen and an 11th grader at Americas High School. He studies with Dr. Allan Kaplan and has been the Outstanding soloist at the SISD Jazz Fest and Outstanding Soloist at the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival at NMSU. His dream “is to become a professional trombone player and eventually become a professor at a university.”
Applications for the 2026-2027 Competition for Young Musicians and Instruments for Young Lives Program will be available in September 2026.
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 Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, the El Paso Community Foundation and generous contributions from members of the community.
Lynn A. Provenzano
El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future
915-449-0619