Langley, B.C. – A talented trio from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) recently earned top prizes at two significant chamber music competitions, placing first ahead of all other senior post-secondary performances.

Music students Alexander Chernata on clarinet, Julie Lin on violin and Andrea Pedro on piano – KPU’s “AJA Trio” – were awarded first place in the senior category at the 61st Annual Young Musicians Competition put on by Vancouver’s Friends of Chamber Music. The win came with a $1,200 Friends of Chamber Music Award grand prize.

The students were also awarded Senior Ensemble First Prize in the open chamber ensemble section of the Vancouver Kiwanis Festival this past week.

On Thursday, the AJA Trio will move to compete at the Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Competition.

“The trio was praised highly by adjudicators at both festivals. Distinguished cellist and Vancouver Kiwanis Festival adjudicator Paul Marleyn described them as a very mature ensemble who played beautifully. These three are a young group with a lot of promise. They should be very proud of their accomplishment,” said Bo Peng, an award-winning soloist and musician.

Peng, cellist for the Borealis String Quartet, coached the students for their competition performances. He also instructs a chamber music class through the quartet’s partnership with KPU – an exciting opportunity that allows students to study with and learn from musicians of international critical acclaim. Last year, the quartet was installed as KPU’s first string quartet-in-residence.

Jane Hayes, KPU director of piano studies, and Don Hlus, chair of the KPU Department of Music, also worked closely with Peng and the AJA Trio.

“This has been incredibly collaborative adventure, and we are all sharing in the students’ success. It’s about them, their careers and the music. I’m thrilled the AJA Trio is seeking opportunities to perform, and we’re all excited to see how exceptional they are at it,” said Peng.

For more information about KPU’s Department of Music, visit kpu.ca/music.