Nā Hōkū ‘Ōpio
YOUNG STARS
2026 applications are closed
Cayne Hiraoka, 2024
ABOUT
Nā Hōkū ‘Ōpio “Young Stars” is an annual competition for local youth musicians to play solo repertoire with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with the annual Summer Festival.
High school students from 10-12th grade (class of 2026-28) who are full-time residents of Hawai‘i are eligible to submit their audition recordings.
The competition is open to strings, voice, woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp, and introducing a composer category.
Luke Watanabe, 2024
Iris Yun, 2025
PERFORMER guidelines
Applicants MUST submit an application form first and receive piece approval before submitting the video submission form. Applicants will be notified starting March 19 about their piece approval or denial.
The piece must be a concerto with an existing orchestral arrangement.
Your piece must be less than 10 minutes.
You may perform multiple movements if the total duration is less than 10 minutes.
It is required to record your application with live accompaniment.
It is highly recommended to select works from the Baroque, Classical, and Early Romantic periods as applicable for piece approval.
If selected, winner MUST be available from July 7 - July 12 for rehearsals and the performance.
Recording Guidelines
There is no requirement for a specific filming location. You can film your video in a practice room, living room, concert hall, recording studio, or any other suitable setting.
Ensure the camera is positioned so that both you and your instrument are clearly visible.
Recordings must be performed genuinely by you, without any editing or added effects such as reverb.
Make sure you can adequately hear your solo part over the accompaniment.
Avoid placing a pick-up microphone directly on your instrument.
COMPOSER guidelines
Applicants MUST submit an application form first and receive piece approval before submitting the video submission form. Applicants will be notified starting March 19 about their piece approval or denial.
Your piece must be less than 10 minutes with MOLA-standard scores and parts, consulting with the Music Librarian and Composer in Residence as needed.
If selected, winner MUST be available from July 7 - July 12 for rehearsals and the performance.
Instrumentation Guidelines
String Orchestra compositions are eligible.
Works for Orchestra Winds and Brass are accepted.
Full Orchestra (Beethoven Size): Maximum instrumentation is 2222/4331/timp/str, subject to approval.
Information packet
See below if you would like to download this year’s Nā Hōkū ‘Ōpio | Young Stars information packet for your classroom.
FAQs
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Nā Hōkū ‘Ōpio | Young Stars is an annual competition for local youth musicians to play solo repertoire with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra.
High school students from 10-12th grade (class of 2026-28) who are full-time residents of Hawai‘i are eligible to submit their audition recordings.
The competition is open to strings, voice, woodwinds, brass, percussion,harp, and introducing a composer category.
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Applicants must first submit an application form with their contact information and piece information. After submitting the application form, applicants must receive approval on piece choice before submitting the video submission form. Applicants will be notified starting March 1 about their piece approval or denial.
Information Application Form Deadline: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Video & Score Submission Form Deadline: Thursday, April 16, 2026 -
The winners will be announced Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Winner(s) must be available from July 7 - July 12, 2026 for rehearsals and the performance on the island of Oʻahu. The exact rehearsal and performance dates and location are yet to be confirmed.
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The piece must be a concerto with an existing orchestral arrangement. There is not a set repertoire list. It is highly recommend to select works from the Baroque, Classical, and Early Romantic periods. We will not accept pieces that include harpsichord.
Please submit an application form first to receive piece approval before submitting a video. Please allow at least 7 business days to receive an email response on piece approval or denial.
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Your piece should be no longer than 10 minutes.
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You may perform multiple movements if the total duration is less than 10 minutes.
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Visit YouTube Help for instructions.
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All recordings for the competition must be uploaded and submitted via YouTube links for adjudication. After your recording is finished, upload it as an “unlisted” video on YouTube, using the instructions below. You can do this through the YouTube App or on a computer.
Video Format: YouTube accepts any of the following video formats: .MO, .MPEG4, MP4, .AVI, .WMV, .MPEGPS, .FLV, 3GPP and WebM.
1. Record and upload your piece.
2. Go to www.youtube.com and sign in. If you don’t already have an account, create one.
3. Click the “UPLOAD” button at the top.
4. Either click on the “Select files to upload” box and select your video file from your device or drag/drop your video file into the box.
5. In the “Basic Info” screen, enter the appropriate title with the Student’s Name in the box where the filename appears.
6. In the box below the title, enter the names of the piece and the composer’s name.
7. Change the visibility setting from “Public” to “Unlisted” and click “Done.”
8. Click “Save.”
By submitting the video links, you are granting consent for these videos to be viewed by our judges for evaluation purposes.
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Yes, we require a live accompanist performing the orchestral reduction for all video submissions.
Winners
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Lei Yao Chang, cello
Iris Yun, harp
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Shane Komeiji, flute
Cayne Hiraoka, alto saxophone
Brian Park, cello
Luke Watanabe, trombone
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Ylang Guo, Violin
Kenneth Hironaka, Flute
Celina Lim, Cello
Mira Tsunoda, Alto Saxophone
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Pyotr Alvarado, Cello
Matin Boulos, Double bass
Emily Fujii, Oboe
HYS Advanced Contemporary Ensemble
Elvis Imamura, Electric Guitar
Austin Jim, Electric Bass
Noah Chang, Drums -
Mira Hu, Cello
Erin Nishi, Violin
Sophia Stark, Soprano