#USA #Kalamazoo #Zhang Financial #Li-Wei Qin #Stulberg Competition

Zhang Financial's Groundbreaking Move in Classical Music

Kalamazoo, Michigan - On June 18, 2025, the 50th Stulberg International String Competition took place, marking a historic moment in classical music history. The event attracted an impressive audience of over 120,000 global livestream viewers, showcasing the immense talent and dedication of string players under the age of 20. This year's competition stood out not only for its exceptional performances but also for the significant support it received from Zhang Financial, which was announced as a Diamond Tier Sponsor.

As a key sponsor, Zhang Financial took a pioneering step by funding a jury position for the first time, specifically for the Cello Judge Chair. This initiative allowed renowned Chinese-Australian cellist Li-Wei Qin to serve as judge, making him the first juror from China in the competition's history. His participation elevated the event's profile, and he joined a prestigious panel featuring violinist Rachel Barton Pine and Grammy Award-winning composer Lucas Richman.

Reflecting on his experience, Li-Wei Qin expressed, "It’s a tremendous honor to serve on the Stulberg jury. This competition showcases the future of classical music, and I was deeply inspired by the bravery and exceptional performances of the young musicians." His involvement not only brought a rich cultural perspective to the jury but also emphasized the importance of international collaboration in the arts.

Accompanying Qin to Chicago, Charles Zhang, the founder of Zhang Financial, played an integral role in the cello selection process by assisting in the acquisition of a rare 1741 David Tecchler cello provided by Kenneth Warren & Son. This exquisite instrument was highlighted throughout the weekend, becoming a symbol of excellence as it was used by participants. Zhang articulated the significance of supporting young talent: "Supporting young musicians at the highest level takes more than funding—it demands passion, collaboration, and vision. Being part of Li-Wei's cello selection journey was deeply meaningful to us."

In recognition of this momentous occasion, a new media initiative called "Countdown to Stulberg: Semi-Final and Final Round Spotlight" was launched. This pre-show broadcast series, conceived during the Chicago trip and named by Lynn Chen-Zhang, provided insights and interviews with the judges and notable figures involved in the competition. The initiative was executive produced by Sophie Tang, a violin professor at Western Michigan University, and is designed to enhance audience engagement by offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Stulberg Competition.

Lynn Chen-Zhang commented, "Music education is more than the preservation of art—it's a powerful bridge for connection, growth, and global cultural exchange." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the ethos of the Stulberg Competition, which not only aims to showcase talent but also promotes cultural and artistic exchanges.

Additionally, the cello selection process was documented in a short film directed and produced by Sophie Tang, set to be released later in 2025 as part of a cultural outreach initiative supported by Light Center Research. The initiative reflects Zhang Financial’s commitment to not just financial support but also active participation in the arts community.

The results of the competition were as follows:

• - Gold Medal: Laurentia Woo, violin
• - Silver Medal: Zekai Chen, violin
• - Bronze Medal: Oliver Mar, cello
• - Julius Esther Stulberg Memorial Prize: Lauren Yoon, violin

As the curtains closed on this historic milestone, the Stulberg Competition reaffirmed its status as more than just a competition. It serves as a cultural bridge connecting future generations with the art of classical music, inspiring talent, innovation, and global collaboration. The 50th anniversary has set a new benchmark for what sponsorship and involvement in arts can look like, with Zhang Financial at the forefront of this celebration of music and youth talent.