Finalists to perform in a free public concert and competition on April 26, showcasing exceptional young instrumentalists and vocalists
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — April 1, 2026 — The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation (PASF) announces the finalists for its 2026 Music Competition, recognizing a group of instrumentalists and vocalists selected through a rigorous multi-step audition process.
This year’s competition drew more than 30 submissions, including student musicians representing about 10 different local schools from across the region. Applicants first submitted materials for consideration, with selected musicians advancing to live auditions held Friday and Saturday, March 27–28 at the Music Academy of the West.
Finalists were selected by a panel of PASF board members—Deborah Bertling, Erin Bonski-Evans, Jill Felber, David McKee, and Kristine Pacheco-Bernt—who selected the musicians advancing to the final round.
“We are deeply grateful to every student and young artist who participated in this year’s competition,” said Deborah Bertling, Board President of PASF. “The level of talent, dedication, and artistry across our community continues to inspire us. We are proud to recognize this exceptional group of finalists and look forward to sharing their performances with the public.”
This year’s competition features three divisions: Adult Instrumental, Junior Instrumental, and Junior Vocal. The 2026 PASF Finalists selected in each category are as follows:
Adult Instrumental Division
Noelle Hadsall, piano
Lydia Plaut, viola
Annabelle Zhang, piano
Junior Instrumental Division
Skylar Abello, violin
Leon Guo, piano
Chloe Silva, piano
Seungyoo Kim-Jung, violin
Junior Vocal Division
Aria Bonski Evans, soprano
Amelia Checketts, soprano
Nikki Seppala Kurnik, soprano
The finalists will perform in the PASF Finalists Concert, a free public event at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Lehmann Hall at the Music Academy of the West. Community members are invited to attend and experience these musicians as they compete for scholarship awards. Performances will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges who are experts in their respective fields of instrumental and vocal performance, with winners announced following the performances. To reserve a seat, call 805-898-0941 or email pasfsb@pasfsb.org.
Additional information about the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, its annual competition, and the April 26 Finalists Concert is available at pasfsb.org.
About the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation
The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation is dedicated to encouraging, nurturing, and supporting young musicians by providing scholarship opportunities and performance experiences that advance their artistic development. Through its annual competition, PASF awards scholarships to outstanding instrumentalists and vocalists in both junior and adult divisions.