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Caden McCarthy

Caden McCarthy
Caden McCarthy (PSYO Concerto Auditions Winner, 2021-22) is a senior at Mission Viejo High School. He found his passion for music when he learned how to play the cello for the first time in fifth grade. Since then, he quickly progressed musically and technically, allowing him to tackle some of the most difficult cello repertoire. Throughout his musical journey, Caden performed in many ensembles and competitions, such as the Southwestern Youth Music Festival, Irvine Music Festival, Junior Chamber Music, VOCE Competition, Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, Satori Competition, Musical Arts Competition of Orange County, and more.

He performed as part of the Hemiola Trio, a piano trio formed in the 2020-2021 JCM season with fellow musicians Pavlos Papaefthymiou and Aaron Yoon. Under the direction of coaches Dr. Minji Noh, professor of music at Irvine Valley College, and Dennis Kim, concertmaster of the Pacific Symphony, the Hemiola Trio earned first place in the chamber music category of SYMF, first place in the chamber music category in the state finals of the VOCE Competition, and advanced to the Junior String Quarterfinal of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. The trio also had the opportunity to play in masterclasses with internationally renowned violinist Johannes Fleischmann and James Howsmon, Professor of Instrumental Accompanying at Oberlin College.

In addition to chamber music masterclasses, Caden also performed in solo masterclasses with Bongshin Ko, a member of the cello faculty at Cal State Fullerton, and legendary cellist Laszlo Mezo, Sr. Caden was previously taught by Elizabeth Moulton and Gloria Traulle, and is currently a student of Laszlo Mezo—professor at Chapman University and Saddleback College and cellist of Pacific Symphony. Some other activities that Caden enjoys are hiking, visiting national parks, and learning about science and engineering.