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 turned 10 in October 2025, began studying piano at age four at Third Street Music School Settlement, where she is an EDA McFarlane Clark Piano Honors student. She has studied with Dr. Joan Forsyth and currently is mentored by Anastasia Dedik, founder of Prima Music Foundation. In addition to piano, Opal has pursued advanced music theory and composition since age seven, studying with Dr. Matthew Barnson, David Crowell, and Randy Despommier. By spring 2026, she is expected to complete Advanced Music Theory: Harmony & Counterpoint I–III and her first four-instrument composition.

Opal has performed widely in New York City and beyond, appearing as a soloist at Weill Recital Hall, Steinway Hall, Merkin Hall, and the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater. She made her orchestral debut in September 2025 with The Village Trip Festival Orchestra conducted by Victoria Bond, and in November 2025 won Third Street’s Concerto Competition, leading to her upcoming debut at Peter Jay Sharp Theater (Symphony Space) in March 2026. She is also a frequent performer at major festivals and benefit concerts, including events presented by Prima Music Foundation.

An avid chamber musician, Opal is the youngest member of Third Street’s Barbara E. Field Chamber Music Program. Her ensembles have performed at Weill Recital Hall and Merkin Hall and have been selected for master classes with members of the Grammy-winning Attacca Quartet. She has also received State Awards on all three RCM Piano Certificate Exams completed in 2023–2024.

Beyond music, Opal is deeply engaged in academics and athletics. She enjoys creative writing, artmaking, Math Olympiad, swimming, chess, and spending time outdoors with friends.

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.