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Musical Performers

A highlight of the Rising Stars Gala will be musical performances by winners of Discover Classical's Young Talent Search. Learn more about the musicians below. Discover Classical's Young Talent Search is sponsored by Vernon and Janet Fernandes.

Eileen Currie, violinist
Francesca Harper, pianist
Cynthia Li, pianist
Kaitlyn Liu, flutist
Eva Skanse, flutist

Eileen Currie, violinist
Age 18, Kettering

A senior at Kettering Fairmont High School, Eileen is the Co-Concertmaster of the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and has been a member of the Ohio Southwest Region Orchestra. In addition to the violin, Eileen was a member of the Kettering Children's Choir and the a capella group Fusion at Fairmont High School. After graduation, Eileen plans to major in violin performance.

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Francesca Harper, pianist
Age 17, Mason

A senior at Mason High School, Francesca has played the piano since 2013, currently studying with Dr. Jackson Leung. Among her many accolades, Francesca won 3rd place at the Julia Bartles Concerto Competition, 1st place at the Charleston International Music Competition, and recently won the Mason High School Concerto Competition. In addition to the piano, Francesca also plays the flute and piccolo with the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra and the OMEA All-State Band.

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Cynthia Li, pianist
Age 13, Mason

A student of Dr. Benita Tse-Leung, Cynthia has been recognized with top prizes in the Carmel International Competition, Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, and many others. In addition to the piano, Cynthia plays the cello with various chamber ensembles and the Cincinnati Junior Strings. She also volunteers her time by playing music at hospitals, churches and senior living facilities.

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Kaitlyn Liu, flutist
Age 16, Mason

A junior at Mason High School, Kaitlyn plays in the Mason High School Wind Symphony and the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. She was also named to the 2025 OMEA All-State Band and the 2023 Southwestern Regional Orchestra. In addition to the flute, Kaitlyn is the co-leader of the Comet Skippers, a competitive jump-rope team in Mason.

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Eva Skanse, flutist
2014 Young Talent Search Winner

The gala will culminate with a special star performance by Eva Skanse, who was a winner of our Young Talent Search in 2014. Today she leads a career of playing, creating and educating. Eva is the former principal flute of the Queen City Chamber Orchestra, a founding member of the Cincinnati Camerata Baroque and Silentwoods Collective, and artistic director of the Aurora Ensemble. She currently serves as executive director of the Lyra Baroque Orchestra in Saint Paul, the second oldest period orchestra in the country.

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If you have questions about the Rising Stars Gala, contact Martha Harris at marthah@dpr.org or (937) 222-9377.