Saxophonist Simon Hwang wins 2023 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition

Simon Hwang, a double major in Jazz Studies at USC Thornton and Business Administration at USC Dornsife, was selected as a winner of the 2023 Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA) Competition. Presented by Yamaha Corporation of America, the YYPA Competition recognizes young musicians who study and excel in the jazz, classical and contemporary genres.

The saxophonist received a trip to the YYPA Celebration on June 24-27, which included workshops designed to launch a professional music career, services from Yamaha Artist Relations, and professional recordings and photographs of the winners’ live performances.

Hwang co-founded the jazz band Gold Star, which was selected for the Jazz Aspen Showcase Academy in 2022. Last year, the band released their debut single, “Still Life.” Hwang has also shared stages with the Yellowjackets, Randy Brecker and Wycliffe Gordon.