Livana Lekas, first prize

Livana Lekas is a rising third-year BM Piano Performance and Mathematics major at the University of Georgia. Formerly a student of Dr. Evgeny Rivkin, she has been working with Dr. Emely Phelps since fall 2025. In the 25-26 academic year, she was a finalist in the UGASO concerto competition and was the first prize recipient at the Edge Undergraduate Piano competition. An avid chamber music enthusiast, she also performed in recital Dvorak’s Piano Quintet in A major op 81, Beethoven’s Piano Trio in E flat major op 1 no 1, and Grieg’s Violin Sonata in C minor op 45. In her spare time, she loves to run on the club cross country team, bake bread, and crochet.

Ethan Olah, joint second prize

Ethan Olah is a third-year bachelor's student at the University of Georgia. He is pursuing a degree in piano performance under Dr. Alan Woo. Outside of piano, Ethan is pursuing a minor in mathematics and enjoys hiking, traveling, and reading about philosophy and physics. He is excited to be participating in the East Carolina Piano Festival this summer.

Jayden Chong, joint second prize

Jayden Chong is a rising first-year Master's student in piano performance at UGA. He recently completed his Bachelor's of music in piano performance under Dr. Alan Woo at UGA, whom he will continue to study with. Jayden currently manages a small private studio of 6 students. Outside of piano, Jayden enjoys fitness, cooking/baking, reading, and travelling.