Rising Stars!
The Vancouver Classic Guitar Society presents
RISING STARS: A CELEBRATION OF AWARD-WINNING
YOUNG CLASSICAL GUITARISTS
Featuring four of BC’s most recognized young guitarists:
Catherine Huo (14), Tiger Chen (16), Eileen (Haoyue) Tang (16), and Justin Zhou (17)
The Vancouver Classic Guitar Society (VCGS) proudly presents Rising Stars: A Celebration, a once-in-a-generation concert that captures an extraordinary moment in Vancouver’s musical life. For the first time in the Society’s history, an entire concert is devoted exclusively to emerging youth artists—and the level of artistry on display signals a defining moment for the future of classical guitar in B.C..
This landmark event brings together four teenage guitarists who, despite their young ages, have already amassed an astonishing list of provincial, national, and international awards. Each performer represents a distinct musical voice, yet all share a depth of artistry, technical command, and stage presence that far exceeds their years.
The program features music by J.S. Bach, Agustín Barrios, Roland Dyens, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and more, performed by artists who are already shaping the next generation of classical guitar performance.
Catherine Huo (14)
West Vancouver’s Catherine Huo has emerged as one of the most decorated young classical guitarists in North America. In 2025 alone, she achieved an unprecedented series of victories, including First Place at the Denver International Guitar Festival and Competition, earning a scholarship valued at over $30,000 to the Lamont School of Music. She was awarded Second Prize in the Junior Division of the Guitar Foundation of America Competition, the most prestigious guitar competition in the world, and made history by winning First Place in the Adult Division at both GuitarFest West (Canada) and the Northwest Guitar Festival (USA)—becoming the youngest adult-division winner in the history of both competitions. Catherine has also been featured by Guitar Salon International, the world’s leading classical guitar media platform. Catherine is a student of an earlier Vancouver prodigy, Alan Liu and a former student of Alec Pearson.. Known for her emotional depth, technical brilliance, and commanding stage presence, Catherine is widely regarded as a future leader of the instrument.
Tiger Chen (16)
Richmond-based guitarist Mingtai (Tiger) Chen began playing guitar at age nine and has rapidly become one of British Columbia’s most promising young musicians. His recent achievements include Runner-Up at the 2025 Northwest Guitar Festival (Youth Division), First Place at the 2025 Provincial Performing Arts Festival (Intermediate Division), Gold at the 2025 Autumn VAYA International Music Festival, Virtuoso Performer at the World Open 2024 Online Music Competition, and Overall Class Winner in Classical & Romantic and National Styles at the 2025 Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival. A student of Galina Jitlina and Grade 11 student at Steveston London Secondary School, Tiger is admired for his refined tone, thoughtful interpretations, and genuine joy in music-making.
Eileen (Haoyue) Tang (16)
A Grade 11 student at J.N. Burnett Secondary School in Richmond, Eileen (Haoyue) Tang is a guitarist of exceptional musical insight and discipline. She first encountered the guitar in Grade 2 while living in China and began formal study in Grade 4. Her accomplishments include being named Royal Conservatory of Music National Gold Medalist (2025), Second Place at the 2025 Provincial Performing Arts Festival, and First Place at the 2021 Provincial Performing Arts BC Festival, along with additional awards at VAYA, Kiwanis, and other regional festivals. Eileen approaches the guitar as a deeply personal, long-term pursuit—one that rewards patience, perseverance, and thoughtful engagement with the music. Eileen is also a student of Galina Jitlina.
Justin Zhou (17)
Seventeen-year-old Justin Zhou is a Grade 12 student at Moscrop Secondary School in Burnaby and an accomplished guitarist with a strong record of achievement. He began playing guitar in July 2016 and has earned numerous distinctions, including the UFCA Annual Award for Distinction, a Regional Gold Medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music, multiple First Place awards at the Kiwanis Music Festival, First Place at the Richmond Music Festival, and participation in the 2024 Canadian Music Festival. Justin has received First Class Honours in both guitar and theory for RCM Levels 6, 7, and 8, and has studied in masterclasses with internationally renowned artists such as Jorge Caballero, Marc Teicholz, Ben Verdery, and Daniel Bolshoy at the Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival. A dedicated student of Luis Medina for the past eight years, Justin is known for his resilience, musical maturity, and thoughtful approach to challenging repertoire.
Time: 3:00 pm, doors open at 2:30 pm
Location: Pacific Spirit United Church, 2195 West 45th Avenue, Vancouver
*Street Parking available
Purchase Admission Tickets
Admission: $8.00 for VCGS members, $10 for non-members
*Free admission for students and children under 16
You can unlock discounted member prices for all concerts and events.
Interested in becoming a VCGS member? Click here for more information.
Enjoy this video from our previous performance! (2025 May, directed by Michael Kolk)