David Wang: A Young Artist Finding His Voice Through the Violin

On May 17, the La Mirada Symphony continues one of its most important traditions: giving emerging young artists a chance to perform before a live audience, alongside a full orchestra, in a setting that can help shape the next chapter of their musical lives.

Seventeen-year-old violinist David Wang, a student at Troy High School, represents exactly why these opportunities matter. His appearance at our May 17 concert, Echoes of Russia, is not only a showcase of young talent. It is also a reminder of why supporting music education and live performance experiences is so important.

David began learning the violin at the age of five under the guidance of Diana Chang and Sarkis Salamanian. For the past eight years, he has studied with Leslie Ho, continuing to refine not only his technique but also his musical voice.

Learning Beyond the Notes

Throughout his development, David has participated in masterclasses with respected violinists including Ernest Salem, Sam Fischer, Fung Ho, and Weiwei Le. These experiences go beyond technical instruction. They help young musicians learn interpretation, expression, confidence, and the discipline required to communicate through music.

That growth does not happen in isolation. It takes teachers, families, mentors, rehearsal time, performance opportunities, and community support. For many young musicians, access to meaningful musical experiences can depend on whether organizations, donors, and audiences believe those opportunities are worth sustaining.

Recognition—and What It Represents

David’s accomplishments already point to a promising future. He has received recognition from the American String Teachers’ Association Los Angeles Finals, the Amici Music Competition, and the Concordia Competition. His trio also advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition.

But awards only tell part of the story. What they really reflect is commitment: the hours of practice, the persistence through challenges, and the willingness to keep growing in a field where there is always more to learn.

Why This Moment is Significant

When a young musician steps onto the stage with a full orchestra, something changes. The scale and responsibility of delivering a performance are real. The connection to the music, the musicians, and the audience becomes immediate.

That is why the La Mirada Symphony believes these student performance opportunities are worth protecting. They are not simply “extras” in a concert program. They are part of how a community helps keep music education alive, visible, and meaningful.

Audiences attending Echoes of Russia on May 17 will have the chance to hear David perform as part of an afternoon that celebrates both great orchestral music and the next generation of musicians.

A Community That Builds Artists

Programs like this do not happen by accident. They exist because a community chooses to support them. Every free concert, every student appearance, and every live performance opportunity depends on people who believe the arts should remain accessible.

By supporting the La Mirada Symphony, audiences are helping create real musical experiences for young artists like David Wang. They are also helping ensure that students have opportunities to grow beyond the classroom and practice room, and into the shared experience of live performance.

For David, May 17 will be one of those milestone moments that stay with a musician long after the final note fades.

For the audience, it is a chance to witness the future of music taking shape right here in our community.