Dr. Richards' sponsored young musicians received prizes at the 11th International Competition for Young Pianists 'A Step Towards Mastery' in St. Petersburg, Russia June 2-9, 2017.

Both are in the Rising Stars program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

• Leroy Ma – 3rd Prize Category B (aged 12-15 years).  Leroy is 13 and was the youngest in his category who made the final.
• Calvin Abdiel – 2nd Prize Category C (16-19 years). Calvin is 16 and was also the youngest in his category who made the final.

In the final Leroy played Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 with the State Capella Orchestra of St. Petersburg. Calvin played Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 with the same orchestra.