Arianna Lai is a 17 year old junior at University High School in Irvine, California. Arianna is currently the regional director of the Orange County Visual arts team and a member of the Irvine Classical music team. She also started as a Collaboration Coordinator for the Soloist program, and now serves as the Program Manager. 

She began playing the cello at age 9 and performed as the principal cellist for numerous orchestras, including the Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings and the All-state orchestra. She also received numerous accolades and awards. In 2024, Arianna won first place in the JCM Concerto Competition and performed the Elgar Cello Concerto with the Orchestra Collective of Orange County led by David Rentz. She also won the special award in the Satori Music Competition and a Grand prize cello award in the Amici Concerto Competition. At school, Arianna is vice-president of the Tuned In club which performs chamber music for younger students at school events, after school programs, local libraries, and public showcases. 

When she is not playing cello, Arianna also enjoys creating art. She earned numerous artistic awards, including the New York Times One Pager recognition for top 14 winners, Scholastic Gold Key, and a Celebrating Arts High Merit award. Outside of school, she started her own accessory business called The Backyard Artbox that sells on Etsy and at in-person markets.