The Ruth Kern Young Artists Competition celebrates the extraordinary spirit and dedication of Ruth Kern, a passionate educator, musician, and champion for community music. Her life’s work was rooted in the belief that music has the power to inspire, connect, and transform. Through this competition, we honor her enduring legacy by providing young musicians the opportunity to share their talents, grow as performers, and carry forward Ruth’s vision of musical excellence and community enrichment.
Winners of the Ruth Kern Young Artists Competition are honored with the unique opportunity to be featured as soloists in an ACSO concert during the 2026–2027 season. As a Featured Artist, each winner may perform the piece they auditioned with, or collaborate with the Artistic Director to select a work that highlights their individual strengths. This personalized approach sets the competition apart, offering a tailored and meaningful performance experience.
Congratulations to our 2025 Ruth Kern YAC Winners!
WINNERS CONCERT – MAY 11, 2025
Daniel Ivansco – Cello
Senior Division
Chloe Jung – Piano
Junior Division
Leila Warren – Violin
Senior Division
Congratulations to our 2025 Ruth Kern YAC Featured Artists!
SEE CONCERTS BELOW
Elizabeth Milan – Violin
Undergrad/Graduate Division
SUNDAY MAY 17, 2026
“Trailblazers and Horizons”
Chloe Park – Flute
Senior Division
SATURDAY DECEMBER 6, 2025
“Songs of the Season”
Yongton Tan – Piano
Senior Division
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2026
“Voices of a New Century”
How to Apply
Interested in applying? Learn about eligibility, repertoire, important dates, and more.
Previous Winners
For links of past Ruth Kern YAC performances!
About Ruth Kern
Ruth Kern, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, attended the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music before moving to Atlanta shortly after graduation. She always sought a place with the potential for growth. As a music educator in the Atlanta Public School System for 32 years, Ruth profoundly impacted the lives of countless students, many of whom went on to become musicians themselves, performing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Atlanta Community Orchestra.
Ruth became an active member of the Atlanta Music Club (AMC) and, alongside Ruth Dabney Allen and Senta Hutcheson, helped organize the Atlanta Community Orchestra, now known as the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra. This orchestra was the second founded by the AMC, the first being the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
A dedicated musician, Ruth played in the viola section of the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra well into her eighties, leaving an indelible legacy. In her later years, she returned to her native Ohio but remained committed to the ideals of community music, particularly advocating for free public concerts. Ruth’s devotion to music and her unwavering belief in its ability to positively shape and influence youth were evident throughout her life.
For more information, contact: ruthkern@acsorch.org