Latter-day Saint Musician From Fairview Wins National Music Competition

Church Pianist and Conductor Julian Kyle S. Aquino, from the Fairview Philippines Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, won 2nd Prize of the Senior Piano Category at the 2025 National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA). He achieved this honor despite overcoming a wrist injury that nearly ended his musical career.

His family announced the win on a social media post: “Your perseverance, discipline, and hard work truly paid off… To God be the glory.”

27-year-old “Maestro” Julian, as what most choir members fondly call him, has been serving as a stake pianist and conductor and previously won an international award at the Kayserburg Piano Competition. 

During the pandemic, despite quarantine restrictions, he found ways to serve by livestreaming hymns, reaching thousands of members and non-members in the community, aligning with President Russell M. Nelson’s #HearHim campaign. 

But recently, a motorcycle-van collision dislocated his right wrist, which is a crucial tool for any pianist or musician.

“When the doctor told me I could opt to have surgery, but my wrist will never be the same again. I felt despair. How can I play the piano? I had to cancel a lot of engagements, including playing for Ateneo Chamber Singers,” he said.

Despite advice to stop performing, he continued to work and serve in the church: “I persisted because I need to earn a living and prepare for temple marriage. I just accepted my fate. I tried to hide my injuries so that opportunities won't stop coming.”

During preparation, Julian Kyle could not help but feel doubtful, but the injury and overwhelming schedule did not stand in the way of his dream.

He said, “I only had two weeks for the elimination round. For the semi-finals, I only had 3 months to prepare and memorize a 1-hour program. For the finals round, I only had 1 month of preparation. On top of this, I still continued working and serving, struggling to find time to practice.”

For the eliminations and finals, Julian performed Alexander Scriabin’s Prelude and Nocturne for the Left Hand and Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, mostly relying on his left uninjured hand.

He explained, “Sa eliminations, hinalo ko ng left-hand piece kasi nasasaktan ang right hand ko sa ibang pyesa. Pero sa semi-finals, di po ako nag-left, yun ang tiniis ko pong round kasi lahat ng pyesa ko ay mahihirap po.”

He added, “Sa finals, may contest piece po na binigay ang NAMCYA, pero may right hand yun, kaya dun ako nadali. Buti naglagay ako sa application form ng left-hand piece sa huli, which my concerto sa huli.”

Although the practices seemed challenging, Julian still acknowledges them as part of a bigger picture.

“While I was performing, I felt this is where I belong. God has prepared me for this moment, with all the struggles and opportunities he has given me and allowed me to experience,” he said.

“I pleaded for help from God, especially when my wrist hurts, so that he can sustain me, even when my physical body can no longer work properly. My wife supported me, allowing me to practice even till midnight/dawn,” he continued. 

There is no doubt that his love for music and God has touched many lives, especially within the stake, where he currently serves as maestro and choir conductor. 

When asked about his calling: “I love serving in the church, especially in music-related activities where I am good at. It allowed me to understand that this talent is just borrowed from God, and I have the opportunity to share it with others. In that way, I turn my attention outwards, in serving the Lord and others through music.”

On winning the second prize, Julian was in disbelief, “I never thought I could achieve that award.”

“I felt validated in my craft when I won. I felt relieved that my talent was not wasted and that I am more than an ordinary pianist, and I am capable of more.”

As he teaches many aspiring musicians both inside and outside the church, he encourages them to “Do what you love. Do not yield to discouragement from others. Believe in yourself because God has given you and trusted you with the talent that you have to nurture.”

People from the local Latter-day Saint community have expressed their support and love for the young maestro, but notably, his family has always been a major source of support. 

Queen Aquino, who was married to Julian several months ago, is one proud wife who has always been amazed by how her husband fulfills all career engagements while still finding time to serve. “Julian is always persevering. He never forgets his duties in his family while at the same time juggling to attend work, practices, and make time for family.” 

“Julian has always been a musician. It's part of who he is, and I love to see how he continues to grow in his career. As much as possible, I strive to be present in his practices so he can feel loved and supported, and so I can be there to support him, especially when he gets tired,” she continued. 

After Julian’s win, Queen happily shared, “I'm so proud of him. I am happy to witness the process he has gone through and how he has risen amid all odds: the injuries, the demands of work, physical exhaustion, and even discouragement from others. I'm happy how he saw God's hand orchestrating everything ultimately for his good.”

Coming from a family of musicians, Julian received constant support, especially from his parents. Although his mom, Fem, worried about his injury, “If he can sustain his profession since his arms ang puhunan ng kanyang profession,” the family prayed to Heavenly Father for guidance and strength. 

But what inspired them most was Julian’s endurance and perseverance in practice, even before his surgery, as Mommy Fem recalled, “Wala pa siyang operation… first aid lang.”

As a mother who admires son's dedication, Fem sees Julian’s choice of left-hand piano pieces as proof that nothing can stop anyone from achieving their dreams.

"Kahit may disability, the Lord will do the rest for us basta nag-effort tayo. His grace will be given," she said.

Julian’s story is a modern example of talent combined with faith, qualities that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strive to develop.

Latter-day Saint members also aim to live by their 13th article of faith: “We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”