Be Legendary
Artists
AAPI Youth Voices is proud to present our talented artists who are dedicated to raising cultural awareness through music.
Featured Artist
Emma Taggart
Classically trained concert pianist Emma Taggart has received awards in national and international competitions, and been featured multiple times on prestigious programs such as NPR’s From The Top, MPR’s Minnesota Varsity and WQXR’s Young Artist Showcase. Emma has received first place in the María Herrero Int’l Competition, the YPSCA MN Orchestra Concerto Competition, the Schubert Club Student Scholarship Competition, and the Dakota Valley Symphony Concerto Competition, the Mannes School of Music Concerto Competition.
Featuring Artists
Our talented artists are dedicated to raising cultural awareness through music.
Alex Rodriguez
Professional Classical Pianist
Preliminary round:
Jacob Taggart
Professional Classical Pianist
Jacob Taggart, at only sixteen years old, has already established a career as a successful classical pianist. Here are some of his musical accomplishments:
-1st place great composers international competition
-1st place young artist scholarship competition
-1st place golden valley orchestra young artist completion
-grand prize preteen winner mn state fair talent competition
-2nd place Saint Paul piano teachers competition
-1st place Schubert club competition
-1st place Dakota valley symphony
-1st place Mankato symphony orchestra
-1st place Thursday musical
-1st place mn state fair talent competition teen division
-1st place lacrosse symphony competition
-Grand prize grand piano in palace international competion in St. Petersburg Russia
-2nd place Bosendorfer competition
2nd place Steinway competition
Jacob also performs as the primo member of his sibling piano duo Taggart Squared, alongside his sister Emma. They have been featured twice on National Public Radio’s From The Top, debuting two of Emma’s original arrangements. They appeared in 6 feature concerts alongside the Minnesota Orchestra, playing Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals. And most recently, they received 1st place in the West Central Division of the MTNA piano duo competition, as well as an invitation to compete at the national finals during the MTNA National Conference in Spokane, WA.
At only age 7, Jacob attended his first festival, the Accademia Tadini International Music Festival, in Lovere, Italy, where he played a solo recital, and made his orchestral debut, playing the Bach Concerto No. 5 with the Milan Chamber Orchestra. In 2017, he attended the Grand Piano in Palace International Piano Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he was awarded the Grand Prix and performed Mozart’s Concerto No. 9 in E-flat major, K. 271, with the Chamber Orchestra of St. Petersburg.
Savannah Anderson
Talented cELList
Savannah Anderson began her journey with the cello during her sixth-grade years, and she has remained dedicated to it ever since. Her involvement in the orchestra has been a central part of her life, extending to participation in not one, but three different orchestras – a commitment that persisted throughout the past year and is expected to continue this year.
One significant achievement in her musical journey was being selected for the Honors Orchestra, a prestigious district ensemble comprised of the finest orchestra musicians from Anoka-Hennepin, spanning grades 7 to 9. In eighth grade, she had the privilege of auditioning for and earning a solo opportunity within the Honors Orchestra, a memorable moment in her musical career.
Additionally, she’s an active member of the Chamber Orchestra, and it is likely that she will continue her involvement in the coming year. These photos capture special moments from her musical experiences, including the day of her eighth-grade solo performance and when she held the coveted first chair position in the cello section.
Callen Chittenden
Percussionist & guitarist
Callen Chittenden is a junior in Andover high school and a chapter leader of the AAPI Youth Voices. Callen has performed in several winter and summer concerts in a local rock band. He also plays the guitar.
Other than that, Callen joined a world-class indoor percussion group (MBI Indoor Percussion) through an audition process. Together, they made it to the world semi-finals for the first time in 8 years.
Sophie Taggart
Classical pianist
Sophie Taggart, 7 years old, has been playing the piano since the age of 3, starting lessons with Dr. Reid Smith and for the past 2 years, studying with Dr Paul Wirth of the Wirth Center for Performing Arts.
Sophie has wowed audiences all over Minnesota, and most recently this month, won 1st place in the Pre-Teen Division of the MN State Fair Amateur Talent Competition. She has the distinction as being the youngest winner in the 50 year history of this competition.
When not practicing, Sophie enjoys competing in gymnastics, as well as fishing and reading.
Cecilia Taggart
Classical Pianist
Cecilia Taggart, 10 years old, has been playing the piano since she was three years old. Now she studies with Dr Paul Wirth of the Wirth Center for Performing Arts. Cecilia has shown remarkable prowess and maturity of technique and expression. She has wowed audiences all over Minnesota, giving many concerts with her 3 siblings.
When not practicing, Cecilia enjoys competing in gymnastics and Junior Olympic Track and Field, and reading.
Emma Yu
Classical pianist
Emma Yu, a high school sophomore with an exceptional talent for piano. Emma plays the piano professionally and has achieved remarkable accolades in her musical journey. In 2019, she was honored with the MMTA Honors Performances award and won 1st place at the 2019 Anoka Hennepin Talent Show.
Emma’s commitment to community service shines through her dedication to using music as a means to give back. From 2020 to 2024, she has organized and hosted numerous fundraising concerts, channeling the power of music to support important causes.
Currently, Emma is studying with Dr. Paul Wirth at the Wirth Center for the Performing Arts.
Joshua Makalinao
Classical pianist
Joshua Makalinao, a talented freshman at Alexandria Area High School, whose musical journey began at the age of 6 with the piano. Under the guidance of Dr. Paul Wirth, Joshua has honed his piano skills and continues to captivate audiences with his melodic prowess.
But Joshua’s musical talent doesn’t stop there. At the age of 10, he picked up the violin, showcasing an impressive dual instrumental proficiency. His dedication and skill have earned him remarkable achievements, including:
- Acceptance into the MNSOTA Honors Orchestra during 8th grade.
- Participation in the Concordia High School Honors Orchestra during 9th grade.
- Nomination for the CLC Honors Orchestra in 9th grade.