Winners of the 2025-2026 CMS Young Composers Competition
January 20, 2026
The Community Music School of Webster University (CMS) proudly announces the winners of the 2025-2026 Young Composers Competition. The winners, selected across two age categories, will be celebrated during a public concert highlighting the vibrant future of classical composition.
Level One (12-16 years of age):
First Place: Michael Chang, age 16, from Sunnyvale, CA, for Dance of Serendipity
Second Place: Harlan Olsen, age 14, from Fremont, CS, for Condensed Forms
Level Two (17-21 years of age):
First Place: Jonah Cohen, age 21, from Farmington Hills, MI, for The G-d Clause
Second Place: Fabian Leung, age 19, from McKinney, TX, for Missing Flock at Dawn
Chosen from a pool of over 65 submissions from across the United States, these young composers have demonstrated outstanding skill and innovation. The winning compositions will be featured in a public concert with Chamber Project St. Louis on Saturday, March 28th at 4:00 p.m. in the CMS Concert Hall on the campus of Webster University. Winners are invited and Guest Composer Stephanie Berg will attend the concert.
As part of their prize, all winners will engage with Guest Composer Berg and musicians from Chamber Project St. Louis at a private master class and dress rehearsal which will provide invaluable insights and feedback to the winners ahead of the concert.
For additional information and full biographies of the winners, please visit webster.edu/cms-ycc.
About the Young Composers Competition
Since 2004 the Young Composers Competition, an initiative of the Community Music School (CMS) of Webster University, has been fostering creativity among budding composers aged 12 to 21. The competition culminates in the professional performance and recording of winning compositions by Chamber Project St. Louis. Notable guest composers provide individual feedback and insights in a dedicated master class, enriching the educational experience for the winners.
The Young Composers Competition is generously sponsored by Arden and Harry Fisher.