Young Artists Shine with Boston Pops at Symphony Hall

On Wednesday, the stage at Symphony Hall came alive as winners of the Fidelity Investments Young Artists Competition performed with the Boston Pops. This annual event, sponsored by WBZ, has been a platform for young local talent for 17 years.

Noah Ferris, a senior from Amherst Regional High School, expressed his excitement: "I have so many memories of coming to this stage and seeing my favorite cellists perform amazing concertos. I'm sort of in disbelief still that I got to do the same thing."

Over 70 high school students from across Massachusetts vied for this prestigious opportunity. The four winners, like many before them, have dedicated years to honing their craft since childhood.

Max Fan from Groton School shared his passion for music: "When I play, I feel like I'm really free. I express through the piano more than I could ever do with words. It's just something I really connect with. It's almost like my best friend in a way."

All four winners are graduating seniors, marking the end of their high school journeys on a high note.

"I felt like I was flying when I was performing; after such overwhelming relief because I was so nervous. I wouldn't know what I was doing with my life if I wasn't doing music," said Margaret King from Wachusett Regional High School.

As they took their bows, the young musicians searched the audience for familiar faces that have supported them throughout their journeys.

"My school sent us a bus here actually. My headmaster came, his wife came. My college counselor, my music advisor came, my Latin teacher came, my Arabic teacher came. Really appreciative," Fan noted humbly.

Iris Tian from Boston Latin expressed gratitude for her support system: "I'm really grateful for all my teachers and family and everyone who supported me because that's really what has built me up, as a violinist but also as a person as well."

To be eligible for the competition, applicants must be full-time students attending any public, private, or parochial school in Massachusetts or registered as home-schooled students. They must also be legal U.S. residents or in the process of obtaining citizenship and aged between 13 and 19 years. Applications for the 2026 competition will open in December 2025.