Malina Zhang, 16, began studying violin at the age of five at the Lawrence Community Music School and currently studies with Dr. Yuliya Smead. Throughout her musical journey, Malina has earned numerous honors and awards. She was the winner of the 2026 Audrey G. Baird Stars of Tomorrow Concerto Competition and performed as a soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in the final round. She was also the winner of the 2025 Miroslav Pansky Concerto Competition and performed as a soloist with the Civic Symphony of Green Bay.
Malina received the Exemplary Performance Recognition Award at the 2026 Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) Solo & Ensemble Festival. She also earned first place in the Fox Valley Music Teachers Association Young Artist Festival Junior String Competitions (2022, 2024), the Senior String Competition (2025), and the Small Ensemble Competition (2024).
Malina has been selected as a member of the WSMA State Honors Orchestra for the past four years and has been a member of the Fox Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra since 2023. As a member of Touch of Class, an advanced string ensemble at Neenah High School, she earned top honors at the 2026 WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival. With Touch of Class, she regularly performs at community events and has toured internationally in Spain, performing in Barcelona and Alicante.
Malina is a sophomore at Neenah High School, where she is actively involved in Math Club, the Mental Health Awareness Program, and Model United Nations. She also serves as vice president of Blossom Brigade, a student-led volunteer organization. This summer, she will attend the Philadelphia International Music Festival and the New England Conservatory Summer Orchestra Institute.
P. de Sarasate, Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20
