2023 Audition Judges  

Rebecca Chung

Known for her expressive lyricism, violinist Rebecca Chung is an accomplished performer and teacher currently teaching at Washington University in St. Louis. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from Northwestern University and a Master of Music degree in violin performance from The Juilliard School. She has performed with major recording artists and has been featured on soundtracks for films and television shows. She has also performed in concerts across Europe, South America, and Asia. In addition to teaching at Washington University, she also teaches at Webster University’s Community Music School, and maintains a private studio. She currently performs with Chamber Project St. Louis,  Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, and St. Louis Chamber Soloists.

James Hinson

James Hinson is retired after 28 years as professor of music, coordinator of winds, brass, and percussion, and assistant chair of the Music Department at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He received the Bachelor of Music degree in performance from the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill, the Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School. His Doctor of Musical Arts degree is from The Florida State University. His teachers have included Joseph Allard, Robert Listokin, Donald Oehler, and Frank Kowalsky. Prior to his appointment at SIUE,  Hinson served on the faculties of the University of North Carolina- Charlotte, Davidson College, Queens College, Central Piedmont Community College, and the College of Charleston, South Carolina.

Tai Oney

Tai Oney is on the voice faculty at Washington University in St. Louis.  Hailed by Opera News for the “richness and pliability of his [voice],” American countertenor Tai Oney has been a prizewinner in several competitions, including claiming a prestigious Sullivan Foundation Award, a second place Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and a Fulbright Award.   He has performed with many opera companies throughout the U.S. and Europe and has been heard on the stages of Opéra Royal du Château de Versailles, Carnegie Hall, and The Kennedy Center. Tai holds degrees from Stetson University (BME), Boston University (MMus), the New England Conservatory of Music (GDip), the Royal College of Music International Opera School (ArtDip), and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree (DMA) in Music Education at Boston University.

Alla Voskoboynikova

Alla Voskoboynikova is director of keyboard studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She performs extensively both solo and chamber music with members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and she coaches for the Union Avenue Opera Company as well as Opera Theatre of St. Louis. She is an active member of the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis. Before moving to the United States in 1996, Alla was a pianist and vocal coach at the Kiev Opera and Ballet Theater in Ukraine. She received her master’s degree in piano performance from the Gnessin’s Academy of Music in Moscow, Russia. Alla was an accompanist in the Tchaikovsky Competition in 1996.