Born in Moscow, Russia, in 2010, Gosha Chmikhovskii began his musical journey at the age of 4 with singing. Since then, he has performed both as a soloist and as a member of various choirs, earning numerous awards at international vocal competitions. He has also recorded several songs. At seven, Gosha enrolled in music school, where he studied the Russian folk instrument balalaika, continued vocal lessons, and began taking piano classes. He played in an orchestra and took part in many competitions—as a balalaika player, solo vocalist, choir singer, and orchestra member. In 2022, Gosha graduated from a music school in Moscow. After moving to Canada, he continued his musical development by learning electric guitar at the School of Rock and classical guitar at the Oakville Conservatory of Music. Music is more than a passion for Gosha—it’s a way of life.

Born in 2011, Ahmed Zekri began his musical journey at age four with piano lessons at Brooklyn Melodies Music Center in Dubai. He quickly advanced to Trinity London College Level 2, showcasing his talent with two stage performances. Continuing his piano studies at the Oakville Conservatory of Music (OCM) from the age of seven, Ahmed transitioned to the RCM curriculum and has now reached Level 6. He has gained valuable performance experience through numerous appearances with OCM and at his school, DDW. Currently, Ahmed remains an active piano student at OCM. Expanding his musical horizons, he also plays bass with the Halton Junior Jazz (HJJ), performing well-known jazz pieces in various competitions.  

Calvin Lee is a Grade 12 student at Iroquois Ridge High School. He previously studied violin with Pierre Gagnon and Adele Pierre, and now studies with Conrad Chow at the RCM ARCT Level.

A multiple award winner at the regional music festival level, he has also been a two-time provincial finalist in the Ontario Music Festival Association Competition, and a two-time national finalist in the Canadian Music Competition. He is currently Concertmaster at the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra as well as a two time award winner of the Oakville Symphony’s De Clara Young Artist Award.

Sophie Ryan is 15 years old and first fell in love with classical music as a young child listening to Handel’s Messiah with her grandmother. Sophie started violin lessons at age 6 and has won a variety awards, scholarships and trophies for her performances over the years. Sophie loves playing violin with and for others and especially loves chamber music. Sophie joined the Phil and Eli Taylor Academy in September 2022 where she studies under Professor Conrad Chow.  When not practicing her violin, Sophie is an avid reader and enjoys both modern authors and classical works. She enjoys writing and performing poetry. Sophie loves hiking, camping and canoeing with her family and spending time with her friends. Sophie is a Grade 10 student at Abbey Park High School, Oakville where she lives with her parents, two younger brother and her adored dog Amber. 

Sofia Moniz is a fourth-year English student at the University of Toronto. She plays the viola and the violin, and was a member of the TSYO viola section from 2020-23. She is currently a Choral Scholar at St. Bartholomew’s Anglican church in Toronto and sings with Concreamus, a Toronto-based new music choir. Sofia is a violin and viola teacher at the Snider School of Music, and has worked in elementary music classrooms at the Jackman Institute for Child Study.

Nyla Santos is a highly accomplished cellist from Oakville, Ontario, with over 12 years of dedicated experience. She began studying the cello at the age of three and is currently working toward completing Level 10 of the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). A recent graduate of all 10 Suzuki books, Nyla has shown exceptional commitment and passion for her craft from an early age. She studies under Susan Gagnon through the Oakville Suzuki Association and is a proud Young Artist with the Oakville Symphony, where she continues to grow as a performer within a vibrant and supportive musical community. Nyla has performed with a variety of ensembles and recently earned gold in the Peel Music Festival in the Grade 10 RCM List C cello category. A Grade 11 student at Garth Webb Secondary School, she plans to pursue Engineering at the University of Waterloo while continuing to develop both her academic and musical talents.

Emilia Krivokuca was born in 2010 in Milton, Ontario. She discovered her passion for piano at the age of five, beginning her formal training through the Royal Conservatory of Music program at the Oakville Conservatory of Music under the guidance of her teacher, Sladjan Antic. Emilia has since performed at various community events and regional competitions, showcasing her dedication and talent. Currently a Level 8 RCM student, Emilia also serves as a piano instructor at the Oakville Conservatory of Music, where she is committed to inspiring and nurturing the next generation of musicians.

Aleksia Dzelajlija was born in 2007, in Burlington, Ontario, and is currently a student at Appleby College. Her musical journey began at the age of seven, sparked by a deep-rooted love for the arts—whether through dance, singing, or music. Aleksia first studied piano under the guidance of Diane Manojlovich before continuing her training at the Oakville Conservatory of Music. Since then, she has performed at numerous recitals and competed in piano competitions across Ontario. Her passion for music continues to flourish as she refines her technique and explores new styles. As she looks ahead to university, Aleksia remains committed to growing as a musician, embracing each opportunity to express herself through the piano and discover fresh inspiration in new genres.

Alexander (Sasha) Barychev was born in Oakville in 2005.
At the age of 10, he discovered his passion for the trumpet and has been learning and playing the instrument ever since. He was a member of the Halton Junior Jazz for several years and participated in the jazz ensemble that won gold at the Nationals. Alexander was also a longtime member of High Rendition Jazz, an award-winning high school jazz band based in the Halton region of Ontario, Canada. He continues to perform with them as a guest artist. He enjoys playing both classical and jazz compositions and is committed to advancing his musical education by earning certifications through the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations. Passionate about music, Alexander thrives in both solo performances and ensemble collaborations.

Siena Abreu is 11 years old, has been playing the piano for the past 6 and a half years, and is currently a Level 8 RCM. She was first inspired to play by her older sister, and in Grade 4, set herself the goal to reach ARCT by the age of 14 so that she can continue to share her music with others and bring them as much joy as playing brings her. She loves playing for her family and her community.