A native of South Korea, Mee Ji Kim began studying piano at the age of six. She has received numerous accolades, including First Prize at the NSAL Competition and the Ariel Chamber Competition, as well as being named a laureate of the Franz Liszt International Festival and Competition. Most recently, she was a finalist in the International Keyboard Odyssiad& Festival (IKOF) Competition.

In her home country, she earned top prizes in major competitions such as the Busan Music Competition, Suri Music competition, Samick-Seiler Piano competition, and the Seoul Orchestra Competition. She has performed in winner’s concerts and presented solo and chamber recitals at various venues.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Seoul National University under Professor Hee Sung Joo, her master’s degree from Indiana University under Professor Norman Krieger, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Cincinnati- Conservatory of Music, studying with Professor Soyeon Kate lee, Daniel Shapiro, Sara Daneshpour. Her doctoral studies are supported by a full scholarship and teaching assistantship.

Albert Dong, 16, is a cellist originally from Washington state who began studying cello at age 7 after moving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At 12, he joined the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO), where he studied under Adam Liu and served as principal cellist since 2023. Albert made his solo debut at age 15, performing Dvo?ák’s Cello Concerto at Heinz Hall after winning the PYSO Concerto Competition. Albert is a prizewinner of a multitude of national and international competitions, including the Bach International Music Competition, the New York International Classical Music Competition, and the International Grande Music Competition. His performances have taken him to renowned venues such as Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, Casa da Música in Porto, Portugal, and multiple venues across China. Albert has performed in masterclasses and taken lessons with distinguished artists including Hai-Ye Ni, John Koen, Mark Livshits, and Kimberly Fischer, among others.

Ethan Shon, a 13-year-old clarinetist, studies under the tutelage of Ayako Oshima Neidich at Juilliard Pre-College. He earned First Prize at a prestigious competition just six months after beginning the clarinet, and also won First Prize at the International Grande Music Competition. Additionally, he was recognized as a Grand Prize Nominee at the New York Laureate International Music Competition. Beyond music, Ethan excels in math and is the captain of his school’s math team. He is also the chief of the journalism club, an avid basketball player, and holds a black belt in taekwondo.