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Lancaster Mennonite School is proud to celebrate junior Jiarui Li, who was awarded First Prize at the Hershey Symphony Annual Young Artist Competition, held at Lebanon Valley College.
This prestigious honor recognizes Jiarui’s exceptional talent, dedication, and artistry as a pianist. As the competition winner, she has been invited to perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58 with the Hershey Symphony Orchestra during its 2026–2027 season. In addition, she received the $1,000 William and Ruth Cagnoli Award.
Jiarui studies piano under the direction of Dr. Xun Pan, Millersville University Music Professor & LM Advanced Music Program teacher, whose mentorship has supported her continued growth as a musician. Reflecting on the achievement, Dr. Pan shared, “I am thrilled to share this great news. Jiarui’s accomplishment is a testament to her hard work and artistry, and I am excited to see her continued growth.”
The Hershey Symphony’s Young Artist Competition draws talented student musicians from across the region, offering them the opportunity to perform at a high level and gain valuable experience. Jiarui’s selection as this year’s top performer highlights both her individual excellence and the strength of Lancaster Mennonite’s fine arts program.
Please join us in congratulating Jiarui on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to celebrating her performance with the Hershey Symphony Orchestra in the coming season.
Photo Credits: Dr. Xun Pan and Hershey Symphony
