Kerson Leong is a Canadian classical violinist who has been making waves in the music industry since his debut at the age of 13. Born on January 25, 1997, in Ottawa, Canada, Kerson was raised in a family of musicians. His father, a pianist, and his mother, a violinist, introduced him to music at a young age, and he began playing the violin when he was just five years old. Kerson's talent was evident from the beginning, and he quickly became a prodigy. He began studying with renowned violinist and teacher, Marie Bérard, at the age of seven, and by the time he was 10, he had won his first competition. Kerson continued to excel in his studies, and at the age of 12, he was accepted into the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied with renowned violinist Ida Kavafian. Kerson's career took off when he won the Junior First Prize at the Menuhin Competition in 2010, at the age of 13. This competition is one of the most prestigious in the world for young violinists, and Kerson's win was a testament to his exceptional talent. He went on to win numerous other awards, including the Grand Prize at the 2014 OSM Manulife Competition, the 2015 Michael Hill International Violin Competition, and the 2016 Musical Olympus Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia. Kerson has performed with some of the world's most renowned orchestras, including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. He has also performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Royal Albert Hall. One of Kerson's most notable performances was his debut with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra in 2012, where he performed the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. The performance was met with critical acclaim, and Kerson was praised for his technical skill and emotional depth. He has since performed the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with numerous other orchestras, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. Kerson is also known for his passion for contemporary music. He has premiered numerous works by contemporary composers, including John Zorn, Kaija Saariaho, and Michael Oesterle. In 2017, he released his debut album, "Prelude," which features works by Bach, Ysaÿe, and contemporary composer Michael Oesterle. In addition to his performing career, Kerson is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught masterclasses at numerous institutions, including the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and the University of Ottawa. He is also a mentor for the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, where he helps to inspire and guide the next generation of young musicians. Kerson's talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. In 2018, he was awarded the Sylva Gelber Foundation Award, which recognizes outstanding young Canadian musicians. He was also named a laureate of the 2018 Jeunesses Musicales International Competition, which is one of the most prestigious competitions for young musicians in the world. Despite his young age, Kerson has already established himself as one of the most talented and promising young violinists of his generation. His passion for music, dedication to his craft, and exceptional talent have earned him a place among the world's most renowned musicians.

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