Jacqueline Liu, an eighth-grade musician from North Carolina, has gained international recognition as a pianist, composer, and vocalist. She began her musical training at a young age and has studied with renowned teacher Florence Ko since age eight.

She has performed as soloist and concerto artist with orchestras across North America, Asia, and Europe, including the Guangxi Symphony Orchestra (China), Winston-Salem Symphony (USA), UCSI University Orchestra (Malaysia), and Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic (Czech Republic). A top prize-winner in numerous competitions, she earned First Prizes in the NCFMC State Royalty Competition, NC Young Artist Auditions, and American Music Talent Competition, along with the State Maxine Taylor Fountain Award and Grand Prize at the 2023 Concert Artists International Competition.

As a composer, Jacqueline received the National Incentive Award in the NFMC Composition Competition and honors in the MTNA Composition Competition. She is also a multi-award-winning vocalist, recognized by the American Protégé International Vocal Competition, and has been selected for the NCMEA Honors Chorus for two consecutive years.

Repertoire:
J.S. Bach The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I
Prelude & Fugue n.2 in C Minor, BWV 847
F. Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody n.8

Lily Wang, born in Maryland in 2016, began piano at age three and has shown exceptional talent and dedication. She has won First Place in the 2024 Thomas F. Hulbert International Piano Competition (Solo Division I), Second Place in 2025 (Solo Division II), and Third Place in the children’s category of the 2023 William Knabe International Piano Competition.

As the youngest student ever invited to the Leon Fleisher International Summer Music Festival (2022 and 2023), Lily has performed with the Guangxi Symphony Orchestra in China and represented Fazioli at the 2023 Cremona Musica International Exhibition in Italy. Most recently, she was invited to perform at the 2026 National Children’s Spring Festival Gala in Beijing, broadcast from a prestigious CCTV-affiliated venue.

Her journey reflects remarkable discipline and passion, inspiring young musicians worldwide.

Repertoire:
Noriko Hikone Selections from Piano Desserts
Bon Bon — Hot Cake — Birthday Cake — Popcorn
W.A. Mozart Piano Sonata n.16 in C Major, K. 545 (I)

Lu Xiaobei is currently a student in the International Division of Wuhan Kaiming Middle School and began his piano studies at an early age.

He has distinguished himself in numerous piano competitions, including First Prize in the Xinjiang Division and Second Prize in the National Finals of the 2024 Xinghai Cup Piano Competition, Second Prize in the Asia-Pacific Finals of the Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition, and First Prize in Junior Group B at the Magnolia International Piano Festival.

In 2023, he was invited to participate in the New Zealand Music Festival, where he gained valuable international performance experience.

Lu Xiaobei has studied with Teacher Xu Leiming, Dr. Zhou Hanqing, and Dr. Li Jiale, and is currently studying under the guidance of pianist Tian Lu, continuing his artistic development within an international musical framework.

Repertoire:
F. Liszt Mephisto Waltz n.1

Qinkai Zhao
Zhao Qinkai is currently pursuing piano studies at the Michigan State University College of Music under the guidance of Eric Zuber, where he is a full scholarship recipient.

He previously studied at the Leon Fleisher Academy with Tian Lu and Yury Shadrin. In his earlier musical formation, he worked with Zhong Langhui and Zhou Hanqing.

A prizewinner of the ECU International Youth Piano Competition (Third Prize), Zhao has appeared as a soloist with the Guangxi Symphony Orchestra and the UCSI University Orchestra in Malaysia.
Alongside his musical pursuits, Zhao maintains a deep interest in biology. This parallel engagement with the natural sciences reflects a thoughtful and inquisitive mind, enriching his artistic sensibility with a broader perspective on structure, life, and form.

Repertoire:
F. Liszt Vallée d’Obermann, S.160 n.6
from Années de pèlerinage I: Suisse (Years of Pilgrimage, First Year: Switzerland)

Yuchen Guo began piano studies at age eight and received professional training under Lu Tian, Artistic Director of the Leon Fleisher Academy.

She has earned top honors including 1st Prize in the Children’s Group A at the 17th Xinghai Cup National Piano Competition (Xinjiang Regional, qualifying for nationals) and, in 2024, 2nd Prize in the Professional Youth Group at the 7th Grotrian Cup Piano Competition, plus 1st Prize in Professional Group C (Asia-Pacific) at the Washington International Rachmaninoff Music Competition.

Yuchen has performed at the 2023 Istanbul International Piano Festival Young Artists Concert and the 2024 Cross-Strait Youth Pianists Festival, where she appeared as soloist with the Russian United Symphony Orchestra and the Cross-Strait Youth Artists Symphony Orchestra.

Repertoire:
D. Shostakovich Prelude and Fugue in D-flat Major, Op. 87
Anatoly Lyadov Nocturne in F-sharp Major, Op. 4 n.4

Zhao Jixin’er b. June 2011) began piano studies at age six with Zhu Yu. She currently studies with Zhong Langhui at IAC Music School and Wang Weiwei at Guangxi Arts University.

In 2023 she was admitted with outstanding results to the Piano Major at the Middle School Attached to Guangxi Arts University and met the admission standard for the Middle School Attached to Wuhan Conservatory of Music. She has performed as concerto soloist with the Guangxi Symphony Orchestra.

Her awards include top prizes at the IAC International Piano Competition (Champion and First Runner-up), First Prize nationally in the Japan “Kawai” Piano Competition, and multiple First Prizes in Xinghai Cup, Tribute to Chopin, and Macao Piano Invitational Competitions.

Warm and creative, she enjoys music crafting, travel, and helping at home.

Repertoire:
F. Chopin Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 34 n.1 (Grande Valse Brillante)
S. Prokofiev Selections from Ten Pieces for Piano, Op. 12
I. March VII. Prelude X. Scherzo

Alice Wang is a gifted and dynamic eighth-grade student whose passion for performance, teamwork, and excellence shines both on and off the stage. A naturally expressive young musician, Alice particularly excels in piano, demonstrating remarkable artistry, confidence, and dedication at a young age.

Despite studying piano formally for less than one year under the guidance of acclaimed pianist and educator Tian Lu, Alice has already shown exceptional promise. She has earned multiple performance opportunities, begun studying concerto repertoire, and has already received an invitation to perform with a professional orchestra in China—an extraordinary achievement that reflects both her musical talent and rapid growth. Alice genuinely enjoys the stage and thrives in performance settings, bringing poise, energy, and a natural connection with audiences.

Beyond piano, Alice is an award-winning multilingual singer and a dedicated athlete who serves as captain of her soccer team. Whether performing before an audience or leading teammates on the field, she demonstrates confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Having received professional training in acting, dance, and music from a young age, Alice carries a natural stage presence and expressive confidence across all of her artistic pursuits.

In addition to her artistic and athletic accomplishments, Alice consistently achieves top academic honours and has received national modelling awards. She also enjoys lacrosse, tennis, golf, and swimming, reflecting her curiosity, versatility, and strong commitment to personal growth.

Repertoire:
B. Bartók Romanian Folk Dances
I. Stick Dance (Jocul cu bâtă)
II. Sash Dance (Brâul)
III. In One Spot (Pe loc)
IV. Dance from Bucsum (Buciumeana)
V. Romanian Polka (Poarga Românească)
VI. Fast Dance (Mărunțel)

Li Mingxuan started learning piano at 4.5 and now studies with Yury Shadrin. He possesses exceptional musical talent alongside excellent academic and self-learning capabilities.

He has claimed top honours in major piano competitions, including seven consecutive years of full scholarship at Lang Lang Music World, awards from Steinway and Chopin Youth Competitions, and Third Place in the 2025 Hong Kong Schools Music Festival Finals. He obtained his ARSM Performance Diploma with Distinction before the age of 11. Mentored by Lang Lang and Professor Zhu Yafen, he was selected as a demonstration student for Lang Lang’s officially released online piano courses.

Connor has performed at high-profile occasions, sharing the stage with Lang Lang in prestigious concerts and appearing as a guest performer at the Lang Lang Music Bus launch event. He also actively participates in charity and public outreach recitals.

Repertoire:
W.A. Mozart Piano Sonata in C Major, K. 288 (I)
F. Chopin Étude in C-sharp Minor, Op. 10 n.4