Origins and Development
WIYAMS (Washington International Young Artists Music Series) was founded in 2023 in Washington, D.C., a city where global cultural, artistic, and diplomatic energies converge. While offering rich artistic resources, this environment also revealed a clear need for a structured, high-level platform dedicated specifically to emerging young musicians.
Against this backdrop, WIYAMS was co-founded by Jinwei Zhang, Yi Xu, Jiayong Mei, and Xiaobo Liu. United by a shared vision for the future of classical music, they initiated the creation of a professional platform devoted to supporting young artists and connecting them with meaningful performance opportunities. WIYAMS was established not only as a concert series, but as an international space where talent, artistry, and cultural dialogue could meet.
With the guidance and artistic insight of Dr. Ivo Kaltchev, Professor of Piano at the Rome School of Music, The Catholic University of America, the vision of WIYAMS gradually took shape into a well-structured and sustainable artistic initiative. His mentorship and academic perspective played an essential role in shaping the artistic direction and long-term orientation of the organization.
Supported by institutions including the International Arts Development and Promotion Association (IADPA), the Bulgarian Music Society (BMS), and The Catholic University of America (CUA), WIYAMS has evolved from an initial concept into a stable nonprofit arts platform with a clear artistic identity and professional operational structure.
As WIYAMS continues to develop, it has expanded its scope in artistic programming, international collaboration, and audience engagement. Today, it operates with a dedicated professional team committed to fostering the growth of young musicians and building a sustainable cultural platform that bridges artistic excellence with community impact.
More than a stage for performance, WIYAMS serves as a long-term ecosystem for emerging artists, supporting their artistic journeys while contributing to the broader dialogue of classical music in a global context.
The Mission of WIYAMS
WIYAMS is devoted to creating a professional, internationally-minded platform for young musicians, offering them meaningful opportunities to perform, grow, and be heard.
We believe that classical music is not only an art form, but a universal language that connects cultures and fosters understanding. Through each concert and initiative, WIYAMS seeks to present artistic excellence while giving voice to the next generation of musicians.
