DMA student Yoshika Masuda wins first prize at All-Japan VIVA HALL Cello Competition

Current USC Thornton doctoral student Yoshika Masuda was awarded first prize at the 11th All-Japan VIVA HALL Cello Competition in July 2014. Masuda, who studies cello under USC Thornton Strings faculty Ralph Kirshbaum, was awarded 1,000,000 Yen ($10,000 USD) and a certificate of commendation for his achievement. Additionally, Masuda will perform several high-profile concerts in Japan in 2015. Considered to be the premier cello competition in Japan with over 45 contestants, VIVA HALL consists of three competitive rounds and is open to young cello players aged 15 to 35. The competition aims to support young cello players and to “contribute to the cultural development and advancement of Japanese music.”