Congratulations to our 2025 scholarship recipients!

Place des Arts awards annual scholarships to help students in their pursuit of excellence in the visual, literary and performing arts. This year, we awarded $4,450 to 11 deserving students in music, dance and literary arts. We are so proud of all of their accomplishments at Place des Arts and are so happy to see the next generation of artists growing! Find out more about them below by clicking on their names!

Annie Kwok

Angelyn Lim

Jasper Zhu

Chloe Chan

Deeksha Padakanti

Andrea Tang

Samuel Wang

Mia Banner

Lauren Vianzon

Kyla Kish

Claire Liu

Annie Kwok

Music, Elliott Harty Piano Scholarship

Age: 15

  1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
    Piano has been a lifelong friend of mine since I was about 4 years old. While I wasn’t very good, I would always be on a keyboard of some variety, happily plunking away at the keys. When I was about 5 years old, I started getting private lessons, which has led me to where I am now.
  2. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
    The goal has always been to try to improve as much as possible and really hone my skill set, hopefully taking the ARCT at some point.
  3. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
    My teacher has been an invaluable guide over the years when it comes to the execution of a certain piece and the honing of my technical skills. Because of my time spent with my teacher, I am a better pianist and overall musician.
  4. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
    I remember playing accompaniment for a Place des Arts workshop with the piano trio. It must have been one of our earlier gigs, but I remember thinking, “this is what it means to be a musician.” It was so amazing to be able to not only showcase the work we put into our repertoire, but also make music with other musicians and communicate in a completely wordless language. I remember reflecting on the magic of the whole event and of how far we had come, both as a group and as individual musicians.
  5. Who is your role model and why?
    I really enjoy Yuja Wang’s playing. I like seeing bold, unapologetic women excelling in any field, but it is particularly inspiring to see someone of her caliber in piano and music especially. Her musicianship, craftsmanship, and overall tonality throughout her career is all very impressive.

Angelyn Lim

Music, Place des Arts Scholarship

Age: 14

  1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
    When I was about four I had my first piano lesson, but it didn’t go very well because a lot of teachers didn’t want to teach me because of my right hand, which only has two fingers. It took a few years to finally find my teacher who was willing to teach me, Mr. Isaac.

  2. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
    Winning this scholarship motivates me so much into continuing my piano dreams. I have always wanted to play the piano, but I couldn’t even find a teacher that was willing to teach me because of my hand but now, I got a scholarship, and I can’t explain how grateful I am.
  3. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
    Most of my teachers in music and sports like to criticize me, in hopes I would perform with perfection and bring back gold, but my piano teacher Mr. Isaac is different. Although my other teachers’ method of constant demand of perfection works, Mr. Isaac has always encouraged me with kindness to try to do my best. He never yelled or criticized me, but rather encouraged me to keep going no matter what place I got in a festival. This surprisingly worked well, and I learned to love the instrument, not the ranking or medal. Because I learned to genuinely like piano instead of being scared of messing up, I improved in piano the fastest out of the three instruments I also competitively play.
  4. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
    I do many musical instruments, and I also do figure skating and ballroom dancing. Every single teacher and coach I had, always wanted me to win first place. If I didn’t, they would get very upset with me. But I have a ballet teacher Ms. Lucienne who gave me a different perspective. I got into the habit of being disappointed in myself if I couldn’t do a skill perfectly right away, because my teachers would get angry with me if I wasn’t perfect. But she told me I should learn to be proud of myself, even if I didn’t necessarily reach the goal I wanted, I should congratulate myself for the hard work I put in. This really touched me, because my teachers usually would never be happy with what I do, because they always wanted more and more. But Ms. Lucienne taught me to be proud and happy of what I accomplish, not to always compare myself with others. I learned from her that it’s important to both put in the hard work and to enjoy it after, because that’s the point of the performing arts!
  5. Who is your role model and why?
    Alexandra Trusova is definitely my role model, her competitive spirit is truly what drives me. One of my favourite quotes from her is that winning is first place, everything else is losing. Competitions are what motivate me to do my very best, and the hunger for gold is the key to success whether it is in academics, music, or sports. I think that if you put the effort and time into your instruments or sports, you can achieve anything, it is only yourself you have to push. For me, it is competing against others that make me want to do my best. Trusova, although she got silver in the Olympics, I think her competitive nature is what makes her one of the greatest skaters of all time, and that is why she is my role model.

Jasper Zhu

Music, Junior Place des Arts Scholarship

Age: 9

  1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
    I discovered music at age 5 through Franz Music Wonderland in Shanghai. Their Early Music class was pure joy: we hammered xylophones, turned pink-cheeked from recorder blowing, and made the floor tremble with a giant bass. When we formed mini-bands, I chose piano because its keys looked like a grinning skeleton’s teeth. But the real magic came when I created music together with my friends on stage – like learning musical spells that actually worked! When I moved to Canada at age 7, I was incredibly fortunate to discover Place des Arts’ Musical Rainbow program. Completing both the Blue and Purple levels, I discovered that music isn’t just notes and scales – it’s pure joy brought to life. Mr. I had this magical way of making every lesson feel like playtime, where learning became as natural as laughter.
  2. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
    Winning the Junior Place Des Arts Scholarship is an incredible honor and a huge encouragement in my musical journey, reinforcing my passion and dedication to the piano. Music has gifted me joy and friendship, taught me the power of expression and the beauty of the shared emotion, it’s not just notes but connection. Winning this scholarship motivates me to keep practicing diligently and striving to improve. Hope one day I can inspire others on bigger stage by playing music, just as music inspired me.
  3. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
    My piano journey began in September 2024 in Place des Arts with Ms Christina, and from the very first trial lesson, her passion was utterly captivating. Her fingers danced across the keys with what could only be described as magic. But what truly sets her apart is how she teaches: with equal measures of patience and infectious enthusiasm. Ms. Christina goes beyond simply teaching technique. She guides me to understand, contemplate, and feel every piece. Under her mentorship, music has become not just practice, but a meaningful dialogue between composer and performer. With her thoughtful guidance, we’ve established clear learning goals, and she’s been instrumental in preparing me for RCM examinations and applying for this scholarship. Her belief in my potential constantly inspires me to grow.
  4. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
    I’ll always remember that golden afternoon in spring 2023. Midway through class, Mr. I surprised us: “Grab your recorders—we’re going outside!” There on the sunlit lawn, we lined up with our recorders while he strummed his guitar. Warm sunlight draped over us as we played, and suddenly, the notes transcended mere melody—they became a living connection between us, the music, and the shimmering world around us. In that radiant moment, I understood how music breathes life into everything it touches.
  5. Who is your role model and why?
    My mother is my role model. She once shared with me how learning music was a luxury in her childhood—her parents spent a month’s salary to buy her an accordion, as a piano remained an impossible dream. Though she carried this unfulfilled wish for decades, she never let it dim her love for music.Now, as I study piano with Ms. Christina at Place des Arts, I witness something extraordinary: my mother, starting from scratch with sheet music, diligently learns every piece I practice. Watching her lose herself at the keyboard, fingers tracing melodies she once thought beyond reach, I’ve learned music’s most profound lesson—it’s never too late to begin, and the journey itself is the reward. Her quiet determination has shown me that passion has no expiration date, and that some of life’s most beautiful songs are those we dare to play late, but with all our heart. 

Chloe Chan

Music, Junior Place des Arts Scholarship

Age: 10

  1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
    My mom used to do piano and thought it would be good for me and my brother to learn it as well.
  2. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
    It helps my mom pay for lessons so I can continue taking piano as well as my singing lessons. I like trying to sing Disney songs and playing the piano music that goes along with it.
  3. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
    My teacher makes me play the piano pieces over and over again so that I can learn to play them perfectly!
  4. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
    When we were at a recital at Place des Arts, this woman was playing a piano piece and she kept stumbling over notes and then the piano teacher asked the audience if she could start over and the audience agreed. When she started again, she did much better. I remember that moment because it reminds me to give people another chance.
  5. Who is your role model and why?
    My dad is my role model because he makes time for me and we do special things together.

Deeksha Padakanti

Music, Junior Place des Arts Scholarship

Age: 9

  1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
    I got really excited to learn piano after listening to lots of songs and music. I always thought it was super cool how people could play instruments, and I wanted to try it too! A few times, I played on a little toy piano just for fun. Then, when I was 7 years old, I decided to actually learn how to play the real piano. Once I started, I loved it so much that I didn’t want to stop!
  2. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
    Winning this scholarship makes me feel super proud and happy! Sometimes, when piano gets really tricky and I feel like I’m not good enough, this reminds me that someone believes in me. That gives me a big confidence boost! It also helps me keep going, even when the songs get harder and my fingers get tired. I feel more grown-up too, because I’m helping my parents by taking care of some of the cost. That makes me want to try even harder and practice more, so I can get better and better!
  3. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
    My piano teacher, Isaac, has helped me so much! He was my very first teacher, and he’s still the one who teaches me today. He always gives me songs that are a little hard, but he believes I can do it—even when I’m not sure. That makes me want to try harder. He’s really patient and explains things in a way that makes learning fun, not stressful. Because of him, I’ve gotten better and more confident, and I still love playing piano every day!
  4. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
    One of the best memories I have from Place des Arts is my first concert when I was nervous and excited but confident about making no mistakes. After I finished playing, I couldn’t believe I had just played in front of so many people. I felt so proud of everything I had learned in just a few months. It was such a special moment, and I’ll always remember how happy I felt that day.
  5. Who is your role model and why?
    My role model is my piano teacher, Isaac. He plays a variety of songs so beautifully and with ease, even the really hard ones. I’m always amazed when I watch him play. I hope that one day I’ll be able to play like him too. He knows so much about music, and I feel really lucky to be taught by him. He inspires me to keep practicing and never give up.

Andrea Tang

Music, Place des Arts Scholarship

Age: 15

  1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
    I started practicing singing six years ago. When I was little I always enjoyed
  2. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
    By winning this scholarship, I will be able to practice my singing skills for one more year. This helps me achieve my goal of singing songs with more complicated techniques and working on my weak areas.
  3. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
    My vocal teacher has pushed me to sing more complicated songs and warm-ups. She has also helped me gain more performance experience by signing me up on multiple performance opportunities.
  4. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
    My first performance at Place des Arts was very memorable, as it was the first time I sang a solo song in front of people I didn’t know. I was very nervous at first and wasn’t sure about what to expect from the audience. What helped me calm down was listening to other students sing beautiful songs and hyping up the crowd. Everyone was very welcoming and supportive. After the performance I also got some compliments and praise from people. This helped me gain confidence in singing in front of people I know and don’t know. It has also influenced me to be the person I am today.
  5. Who is your role model and why?
    I believe that in everybody there is always something inspiring and worth admiring about them. So, when I see someone that has different traits and experiences from me, I always admire and learn from them. For instance, I admire all my teachers because they have the patience to teach many students of different abilities. I also admire people who are willing to achieve their dreams no matter what, even if the odds are against them. In all, I try to learn from everybody, this helps me become a more well-rounded person. Everyone is my role model. 🙂

Samuel Wang

Music, Scholarship for Advanced Musical Studies

Age: 16

  1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
    I started playing piano at the age of 6, taking group lessons here at Place Des Arts.
  2. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
    Winning this scholarship brings me the assurance to continue my studies on piano. It brings me valuable motivation and a sense of achievement to have won such a prize. This award gives me the confidence to strive for greater heights, alongside achieving my long-term goals in music.
  3. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
    My teacher, Noel McRobbie, has given me many opportunities to participate in events such as seasonal recitals and festivals. He teaches in a very precise and distinct manner, in which I found to be much fitting to me. His efforts have brought me confidence whilst playing and has helped me achieve my goals by teaching the pieces I aspire to play.
  4. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
    When I first started piano, I was taking group lessons at the lowest floor of Place Des Arts. As I walked into the room, I was greeted by my teacher and several friendly parents. Sitting at the piano, I could hear multiple sounds coming from each piano, as the teacher told us to play a C-major scale. I wanted to share this memory because the vibe that group lessons gave off invoked deep nostalgia for me. I will forever remember the experience of my first lesson.
  5. Who is your role model and why?
    My role model is the piano player, Bruce Liu. I look up to him because he plays Chopin’s pieces very well, and I have even attended one of his concerts to see for myself. As someone who avidly enjoys both listening and playing Chopin pieces, his playstyle is inspiring to me, and it encourages me to continue in the pursuit of learning the renowned composer’s pieces.

Mia Banner

Literary Arts, Place des Arts Scholarship

Age: 15

  1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
    When I was 7 my family had just come home from Victoria island, I was tired, sick, and I just wanted to eat something and luckily while we were driving, I spotted a pastry shop right off the highway. I begged my mom to stop, and probably emptily promised her I’d to wash the dishes for a week, I’m sure she would’ve said yes if my grandma and motion-sick grandpa wasn’t in the car. So, we drove on, probably to the ear-splitting soundtrack of my bawling. I remember vividly staring out the window angrily, as if that would’ve done something. By the time we got home I’d dug up a pen and paper, still salty from my pastry-less stomach, and wrote a poem. It was 5-6 lines and included “my sadness reaches the bottom of the ocean” which was pretty deep for a poem about bread written by a 7-year-old. My mom showed it to all her work friends and eventually I got my pastry, but it was then, I think, I realized that my writing could affect people.
  2. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
    As I say later in this questionnaire, I am very self conscious and tend to not want to put myself out there. This has been my main struggle for a few years now, and having been rejected by both places I sent my writing to – I’m not exactly giving myself any medals. But I recently watched Hamilton, met a new writing teacher, and now – won this scholarship, I will definitely work harder to improve my writing and submit more pieces. I’d quote Hamilton but I think I’d risk losing the scholarship if I did.
  3. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
    I am very good at second guessing myself; it’s one of my most fleshed-out talents. My writing teacher however, is very confident in her writing and encourages me to be the same about mine, she is one of the few teachers I’ve had that truly pushes me to publish or share my writing. She also helped grow my ability to establish place in writing.
  4. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
    Since I was five years old, I’ve always had this one writing teacher, she is very dear to me and she is part of who I am today. Though recently she’s took a break from teaching to raise her child, and my classes were taught by a stranger. They didn’t feel the same, emptier, I even considered leaving place des arts. I was moping one day, dreading going to class when I realized I was being a stubborn asshole. Who was I to just decide that I didn’t like this new woman because she wasn’t the same as my old teacher? I began to open myself up and listen more tentatively, and I found that she was an amazing, experienced, and hilarious person. She’s been a great inspiration, and I think we really connected in the end.
  5. Who is your role model and why?
    The last two times I filled this out, I wrote a persons name down that I look up to or admire. After looking at the those that I wrote down previous years I come to realize that I look up to those people, but I don’t model my life after them. I admire them but I don’t aspire to be them. My aspirations are reserved for those in sitcoms, Eleanor and Chidi’s eventual happiness in “the Good Place”, the true friendship in “Brooklyn 99”, where I learnt how much your family loves you and what I watch every time I’m sick “Modern Family”, the complete motivation and drive Leslie Knope holds in “Parks and Recreation”, and the undying love of Fitz and Simmons in “Agents of Shield”. These shows are who I am, they are what I go to when I feel lost, sick, or happy. They have everything I aspire to have.

Lauren Vianzon

Music, Place des Arts Scholarship

Age: 16 *Coming Soon*

  1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
  2. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
  3. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
  4. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
  5. Who is your role model and why?

Kyla Kish

Music, Leonore Peyton Memorial Award

Age: 17

  1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
    I started learning the trumpet at age 12, when I joined my school concert band. I had joined late, around half-way through the school year, because a chance to fill a vacancy in the ensemble arose. My difference in skill pushed me to work harder than my peers to catch up, and this mindset benefited my progress greatly.
  2. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
    My post-secondary goal is to study music performance and education. This scholarship will help me achieve this goal by providing financial support; I will have more time dedicated to my studies and practice with a lessened financial strain. Furthermore, I will be able to invest in instrument maintenance, music materials, and new instruments.
  3. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
    I started studying with Ms. Geeta Das in 2022. Since then, I have learned many valuable skills and techniques which make up the musician I am today. With her guidance, I have participated in unique ensembles and performed many successful auditions. Moreover, she has taught me about the world of a musician and has thoroughly prepared me for what I will be facing as a music student.
  4. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
    One of the significant memories I have of studying at Place des Arts is the very first lesson I had with Ms. Geeta Das. When I first decided to take trumpet lessons, I did not know what to expect in terms of the type of guidance I would receive. However, upon meeting Ms. Das, I quickly realized that I was in very good hands; I could tell that my knowledge of trumpet performance and music would be enhanced greatly through her analysis of my skill level and ability to offer me different strategies to achieve a better musical performance. Also, her abilities as a musician are very impressive and inspired me. She demonstrates an excellent performance level on many instruments, such as trumpet, flute, and saxophone, and her experiences as a performing musician makes me excited to pursue music as a career. Since the day we met, I have been increasingly enthusiastic about learning as much as I can about the trumpet.
  5. Who is your role model and why?
    My role model is my school band director Mr. Steve Clements. When I first met him in middle school, I was instantly drawn in by his incredibly engaging and welcoming personality. His teaching style is energetic and fun, and he has many valuable teachings on ensemble performance, such as musicality. Furthermore, he has taught me how to be a good music educator. For example, he has provided me, and others, with countless musical opportunities that have shaped me as a musician, fostered a positive learning environment, and ensured the confidence and enjoyment of his students. I believe that I would not love music as much as I do now if I had not studied with Mr. Clements throughout high school. Furthermore, I am greatly inspired by his passion for music education and wish to take after him in supporting the future generation of music students.

Claire Liu

Dance, Place des Arts Scholarship

Age: 18

  1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
    I started ballet when I was five and have continued ever since. Over time, it has become something I genuinely love and keep coming back to.
  2. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
    Receiving this scholarship would mean more than just financial support, it would be a source of motivation. Ballet can be demanding, especially while balancing school and other responsibilities, and there are moments where it’s hard to stay confident. Knowing that the Place des Arts community recognizes my effort would remind me that the work I’m putting in matters. It would push me to keep going, keep improving, and not give up on the goals I’ve set for myself.
  3. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
    My teacher, Lucienne Anczykowski, has been a steady and encouraging presence throughout my ballet journey. She has helped me build confidence, not only in my technique, but in how I carry myself beyond the studio. Her corrections are honest, detailed, and always encouraging. With her guidance, I have been able to grow through daily practices, competitions, and year-end recitals. Whenever I doubted myself, she reminded me how far I have come. I really admire the way she challenges us while still being so kind and grounded. Her passion for teaching and her dedication to each of her students are qualities I deeply respect. I also appreciate the advice she shares, whether it is about handling nerves before a performance or staying patient during moments of slow progress. Her words have stayed with me and helped me approach ballet with more resilience. From her, I have learned much more than ballet. She taught me discipline, and how to carry myself with integrity. I am genuinely grateful for her support throughout the years.
  4. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
    One of my most memorable moments at Place des Arts was preparing for my first ballet competition. I was nervous and doubted myself a lot. I wasn’t sure if I was ready or if I even belonged on that stage. But my teacher and classmates were incredibly supportive throughout the process. Even though it was scary at the time, that experience taught me how to handle pressure and trust the work I had put in. I didn’t place, but I walked away proud of how much I’d grown. It was the first time I really understood what it meant to perform for myself, not just for a score.
  5. Who is your role model and why?
    Dr. Bonnie Henry is my role model. During the pandemic, she showed remarkable strength, calm, and empathy while leading through something none of us had experienced before. As British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer, she led the public health response with clear communication and a steady presence that helped many people, including myself, feel reassured. She was recognized for her leadership with several awards, including the Order of British Columbia back in 2021, and has received national recognition for her contributions to public health. I admire how she balanced science with compassion and how she stayed grounded even when things were unpredictable. I look up to her not just because of her career achievements, but for the way she leads with resilience and integrity. I hope to carry that same mindset into everything I do, both in dance and in my future goals in healthcare.

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