Zhang Financial Sponsors Distinguished Juror Li-Wei Qin and Historic Instrument Selection for Stulberg's 50th Anniversary

KALAMAZOO, Mich., June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 50th Stulberg International String Competition, one of the world's premier classical music competitions for string players under 20, concluded with historic global reach—attracting over 120,000 livestream viewers worldwide. This milestone year was marked by extraordinary talent, international collaboration, and meaningful philanthropic support.

Zhang Financial, a longtime supporter of the Stulberg Competition, reached a new milestone this year as Diamond Tier Sponsor with its first-ever sponsorship of a jury position—the Cello Judge Chair. Their support enabled the participation of renowned Chinese-Australian cellist Li-Wei Qin, who became the first cello juror in the competition's history originally from China. Qin joined a distinguished panel that also included renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine and Grammy Award-winning composer Lucas Richman.

Li-Wei Qin reflected on his role as juror:
"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 young musicians' bravery and exceptional performances."

In addition to funding the jury seat, Lynn & Charles Zhang personally accompanied Qin to Chicago for the selection of a rare 1741 David Tecchler cello, generously provided by Kenneth Warren & Son, which was featured throughout the competition weekend.

Charles Zhang shared:
"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, and we're proud to help bring this story to life for audiences around the world."

The experience also inspired a new media initiative—"Countdown to Stulberg：Semi-Final and Final Round Spotlight"—a pre-show broadcast series conceptualized during the Chicago trip and named by Lynn Chen-Zhang. The program was executive produced by WMU Violin Professor Sophie Tang and featured interviews with 2025 judges, Lynn Chen-Zhang, Dean Daniel Guyette (WMU College of Fine Arts), Stulberg President Megan Yankee, Kalamazoo Symphony President Jessica Mallow Gulley and Stulberg Board Member Barry Ross.

Lynn Chen-Zhang shared:
"Music education is more than the preservation of art—it's a powerful bridge for connection, growth, and global cultural exchange. The Stulberg embodies the artistic soul of Kalamazoo, and I'm proud to support its mission."

The cello selection process was also documented in a short film directed and produced by Sophie Tang, to be released later in 2025 as part of a broader cultural outreach initiative, supported by Light Center Research.

2025 Stulberg Medalists

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 lights dimmed on this historic anniversary, the Stulberg Competition once again proved itself as more than just a stage—it is a bridge between cultures, generations, and the ever-evolving landscape of classical music.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Edgerton, [email protected]

SOURCE Zhang Financial