Doctoral saxophonist Estel Vivó Casanovas, from the studio of Chien-Kwan Lin ’07E (DMA), has been named a winner at the Young Concert Artists (YCA) Susan Wadsworth International Auditions. The final round took place in Merkin Hall at New York’s Kaufman Music Center, where Casanovas was selected alongside violinist Claire Wells and Trio Azura, YCA’s first-ever Ensemble-in-Residence, from a pool of more than 200 applicants.

“For me, joining the Young Concert Artists roster means having the opportunity for my voice to be heard and to fully express myself, thanks to the thoughtful care with which YCA represents each artist in their unique way,” Casanovas said.

A native of Barcelona, Spain, Casanovas is a second-year doctoral student and only the second saxophonist ever to win in the competition’s 65-year history. In the final round, she performed selections by Manuel de Falla, Alfred Desenclos, Lars-Erik Larsson, and David Salleras Quintana.

To watch Casanovas’ final audition, skip ahead to 2 hours and 15 minutes. Alternatively, click here to go directly to Estel Vivó Casanovas’ performance.

The final-round jury included YCA President Daniel Kellogg, Founder Susan Wadsworth, and distinguished artists such as Anne-Marie McDermott, Patricia Winter, Chee-Yun, Ransom Wilson, Alban Gerhardt, Nokuthula Ngwenyama, Lucas Richman, and Ken Noda. The panel’s breadth—spanning performers, managers, presenters, and YCA alumni—reflects YCA’s deep connections across the classical music world.

“Estel possesses all the ingredients necessary to succeed as a concert artist, and she has been harnessing them since her first day at Eastman,” said Professor of Saxophone Chien-Kwan Lin. “I am grateful YCA has offered her this incredible opportunity. I know she is ready for this amazing journey.”

As part of the three-year YCA Jacobs Fellowship, Casanovas will receive artist management, global performance opportunities, debut recitals in New York and Washington, DC, mentorship from YCA leaders and alumni, and media and brand development support. The Fellowship begins with the 21st Century Artist Incubator, a 14-month training program in artistic development, education, and engagement. Recognized as the world’s most comprehensive, innovative, and well-resourced program for the brightest and most promising young artists, The YCA Jacobs Fellowship prepares musicians to lead the future of classical music.

A CONCERT ARTIST: Casanovas takes to the stage of Merkin Hall for her audition, which lasted about 25 minutes. Photo courtesy of Young Concert Artists.

Casanovas also performed at the winners’ concert in Lincoln Center’s Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse on November 10. She follows in the footsteps of numerous distinguished YCA alumni, including former Eastman students Kevin Puts ’94E, ’99E (DMA) and Julia Bullock ’09E.

Casanovas will next perform with her peers in the Eastman Saxophone Project (ESP) concert on November 18. Founded in 2010, ESP has become one of the world’s leading saxophone ensembles, known for its inventive programming and dynamic performances.

Eastman Saxophone Project
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
7:30 p.m. | Kilbourn Hall