Born in Shanghai, Xuanyan Jessie Gong has lived in New York since 2018, attending Juilliard Pre-College, where she studies piano under Ernest Barretta. Her musical journey began in a humble instrument shop on the streets of Shanghai, where she was captivated by a grand piano that seemed like a giant toy. Little did she know the immense role this “huge toy” would play in her life a decade later. It was in that shop that she formed an unbreakable bond with music.

In 2022, Jessie won first prize in the senior division of both the Kaufman Music Center International Piano Competition and the Metropolitan International Piano Competition. She also appeared on NPR’s From the Top and participated in the Valissima Institute, a program for highly advanced female instrumentalists with a keen interest in conducting. In 2023, she was a member of the Artemesia Foundation and competed in the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition, the Cleveland International Junior Competition, and the Thomas & Evon Cooper International Competition. Most recently, in January 2025, she was awarded first prize in the Yamaha Senior Division of the 11th Bösendorfer and Yamaha International Piano Competition, and in March 2025, she was admitted to the Curtis Institute of Music. At Curtis, she studies with Robert McDonald and holds the Curtis Institute of Music Fellowship.

Beyond solo performance, Jessie has a deep passion for chamber music and conducting. She is a founding member of the Happy Feat Trio, formed in 2022, which has won multiple international chamber music competitions. She has also been taking conducting classes at Juilliard Pre-College since Fall 2021.

Jessie’s dedication to music is rooted in her belief in its transformative power: “I believe that music is an universal language of peace; it has the power to heal, to connect hearts through shared emotions, and to shape the world into something far more compassionate and beautiful than it might otherwise be.“

Opal Garg, who is 9, began studying piano at age 4 under Dr. Joan Forsyth at Third Street Music School Settlement, New York City. An EDA McFarlane Clark Piano Honors student at Third Street, she plays regularly in master classes and has performed at Weill Recital Hall (Carnegie Hall), Steinway Hall and Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater(Symphony Space). For four consecutive years she was selected to perform as a soloist at Third Street’s Stowe C. Phelps Annual Concert. A precocious collaborative pianist, Opal plays in piano ensembles and participates in Third Street’s Barbara E. Field Chamber Music Program. Her ensemble was selected for this year’s master class with two-time Grammy winning Attacca Quartet. This September she will start her study of Composition at the recommendation of her Theory teachers.

In April 2025 Opal debuted as a soloist at Merkin Hall after winning both the First Prize of her age group and the Dina Koston Women Composers Award of the prestigious Honors Program Competition of Piano Teachers’ Congress of New York, the first and only solo competition she ever participated in. She is also twice recipient of “State Award” of RCM Piano Certificate Program. [This spring she was selected to participate in Manhattan School of Music’s 2025 Summer Program for Classical Piano (declined the offer).] 

Opal performs frequently at festivals such as Make Music New York and Village Trip since the age of 5, and participated at Playing for Change, a fundraiser for Ukrainian children in September 2023. She recently joined Prima Music Institute and Festival and debuted at VentfortHall, Berkshires, sponsored by Prima Music Foundation. This September she will make her orchestral debut with The Village Trip Festival Orchestra conducted by Victoria Bond at Classical Cool! Kids’ Concert to be hosted by Nina Bernstein Simmons.

In addition to music, Opal enjoys a variety of academic and athletic interests. A voracious reader and STEMenthusiast, she also loves creative writing, art, chess and swimming. She plays squash occasionally and ice skates with friends for fun.

Dylan Conuel, 12 years old, has been playing piano for just two years but has deeply immersed himself as a student of the craft. 

At 11 years old he was discovered playing in the lobby of the historic Red Lion Inn by Deborah Burke, the Director of the Powerhouse Theatre in New Canaan CT., who commissioned him to write the score for the play, Terra Nova, which received enthusiastic reviews. 

Dylan plays regularly at several venues throughout the Berkshires, notably the historic Ventfort Hall, The Red Lion and Gateways Inn.  

Dylan attends Lenox Memorial middle and high school where he plays piano in the band. He takes lessons with Ms. Anastasia Dedik and attends piano / composition camps in the summer. Dylan also plays soccer and enjoys art, architecture, geography and science. 

Nikita Raevskii, age 10, is a student at Pine Street Elementary School. He has been surrounded by music from an early age, growing up in a family of musicians, and continues to develop as a dedicated young artist. Nikita enjoys playing the piano and has also taken up the violin with great interest. Beyond music, he loves swimming and spending time in a variety of activities.

In May 2025, Nikita made his debut with Prima Music Foundation at the Faust Harrison concert in Manhattan. He also attended the Prima Music Institute & Festival, where he completed an intensive week of piano studies. In recognition of his artistry and commitment, he was awarded a partial scholarship and the George Cuker Achievement Award. Nikita is currently studying piano with Ms. Anastasia Dedik and is deeply grateful for the opportunities to perform and learn through the foundation’s programs.

Theo Lushtak, 18, was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, into a family of musicians. He began piano studies at the age of six and later continued his training with Anastasia Dedik, developing into a versatile and accomplished young artist.

A recent graduate of Grace Church High School, Theo will be pursuing his studies at Tulane University. In addition to his achievements at the piano, he is also an avid jazz drummer, showcasing his broad musical interests and talents.

Theo has earned top honors at international competitions, including First Prize at the Jean Sibelius International Competition and First Prize at the Elite International Music Competition, which led to his performance at Carnegie Hall in April 2025.

Artois Sancho is a dedicated music student at the Berkshire Music School in Pittsfield, where he studies piano with Anastasia Dedik and Amy Renak. A rising junior at Wahconah Regional High School, 15-year-old Artois is an accomplished flutist in the school’s concert band and a regular participant in the annual MMEA District Music Festival as well as Prima Music Institute & Festival. Artois was awarded a full talent scholarship by to return to PMIF in the summer of 2026. 

In addition to his musical pursuits, Artois is a competitive swimmer and a proud member of the Wahconah Warriors swim team, which has earned the title of Berkshire South Division Champions twice during his time on the team.