Quintet Con Brio was born when five musicians from Bergen County, NJ, met at the Music Mountain Harlem Quartet summer program. The four string instrumentalists convened at the ARCO NJ Youth Orchestra, rehearsing together and performing at outreach events. Later at the summer program, the five became close friends and musicians and are now involved with the New York Youth Symphony Chamber Music program. Danielle Lee (violin 1) is a sophomore at Bergen County Academies studying medical science technology. She started her musical journey as a classical pianist, and was even featured at Carnegie Hall. She followed her passion for the violin going into middle school, and has been enrolled in the Manhattan School of Music Precollege, studying classical violin under Grammy-winning Ilmar Gavilan. She loves being able to rehearse and visit the city each week. Other than the violin, Danielle enjoys playing soccer with her friends, watching movies, and learning new pieces on the guitar and piano. Aiden Park (violin 2) is a sophomore at Ridgewood High School and is passionate about solo and chamber music. Since enrolling at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege, also studying classical violin with Ilmar Gavilan, he’s performed with their Symphony Orchestra and the Bella Music Foundation’s 20th Anniversary concert, invited by UNESCO. Among other awards, he won first in the 2026 New York Artists International Competition, and second in 2023. Outside of music, Aiden loves to run, play tennis, and bike. He hopes to connect with others through performance. Aaron Choi (clarinet) is a sophomore at Northern Valley Regional Old Tappan High School. He began learning the piano in kindergarten and started the clarinet in seventh grade. He has participated in the NJSMA Region 1 Band and Bergen County Band, as well as the Amadeus Youth Band since 2024. He also plays the baritone in his school’s marching band. Aaron enjoys exploring different instruments and musical styles, and values performance opportunities to collaborate with other musicians. Aiden Oh (cello) is a sophomore from Northern Valley Regional Old Tappan High School. Since starting the cello, he has developed a passion for orchestral and chamber music. He enjoys performing with other musicians, exploring new repertoire, and challenging himself through various musical pursuits, including the NJSMA Region 1 Orchestra. He looks forward to bringing music to life alongside his fellow ensemble members and sharing music with audiences. Besides playing the cello, he loves spending time with his friends and exploring new interests. Ellie Choi (viola) is a sophomore at River Dell Regional High School. She studies classical viola at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege, and is a devoted member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She is also NJ’s recruitment director for the Do Re Mi Project, a non-profit online music tutoring organization. She won first at the Manhattan International Music Concours and performed at Carnegie Hall, and is a violist for the NJMEA All-State Orchestra. Additionally, Ellie plays the clarinet at her school’s concert band and played the violin for 6 years prior. Aside from music, she loves to play tennis with her friends, visit New York City, and engage in community outreach.
Watch Danielle Lee, Aiden Park, Aaron Choi, Aiden Oh, Ellie Choi perform Clarinet Quintet Op.10 in F-sharp minor, I. Allegro energico by Coleridge-Taylor on the violin, violin, clarinet, cello, and viola for the 2026 Instrumental Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.