2025 Emerging Artist Competition Finalist Videos

Designed to augment Cedille’s nonprofit mission of supporting Chicago’s finest classical music artists, the Emerging Artist Competition, generously sponsored by the Zell Family Foundation, was open to musicians under the age of 35 who reside in, or are originally from, the Chicago metro area and who had not yet appeared as the featured performer on a commercially released CD. In this year’s competition, 23 first-round applications were pared down to seven semi-finalists by a panel of Cedille board members. Three finalists advanced to the final round of competition, where oboist Oliver Talukder was chosen as the winner by a panel of judges.  

Oliver will record with Cedille Records, joining an impressive roster of artists that includes violinists Jennifer Koh and Rachel Barton Pine; clarinetist Anthony McGill; pianists Jorge Federico Osorio and Ursula Oppens; and chamber ensembles including Eighth Blackbird, the Pacifica and Dover Quartets, the Lincoln Trio, and Third Coast Percussion, to name just a few of the world-renowned soloists and ensembles who have been mainstays of the label.

“We are so incredibly proud of the high level of talent, skill, and dedication demonstrated by all of our semi-finalists and finalists this past weekend,” said James Ginsburg, founder of Cedille Records. “While each of the musicians performed brilliantly, Oliver’s musicality and ability to communicate to and connect with the audience stood out.

“We look forward to watching all of these artists’ careers continue to blossom as they add to the rich classical music scene in Chicago, and we are excited to add Oliver to the roster of Cedille artists as we plan his debut album for release in 2026.”

Watch the Videos

Julian Velasco
2021 Competition Winner | Saxophonist

Seho Young
2025 Competition Finalist| Pianist

Oliver Talukder
2025 Competition Winner | Oboist

Tamila Salimdjanova
2025 Competition Finalist| Pianist

Cedille’s Emerging Artist Competition is generously supported by the Zell Family Foundation

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Meet the Finalists