Gala Spotlight: Featuring Two Exceptional Young Pianists

We are delighted to announce that Kaitlyn Ouyang and Lucas Pei will be performing at this year’s Gala. Both are extraordinary young musicians whose accomplishments are impressive at the local, national, and international levels.

Kaitlyn Ouyang, a junior at The Hockaday School, began playing piano at age four and now studies under Dr. Alex McDonald. She has earned numerous First Place awards, including back-to-back wins at the Texas Music Teachers Association State Competition (2024 and 2025). A multi-time Carnegie Hall performer, Kaitlyn has also appeared as a concerto soloist with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Central Texas Philharmonic. In addition to music, she is an accomplished debater and active student leader.

Lucas Pei, a sophomore at St. Mark’s School of Texas, also began piano at age four and has earned top honors across the state and nation. He was the South-Central Division Winner and a National Finalist in the 2025 MTNA Junior Piano Competition, along with First Prize at the 2024 Baylor/Waco Concerto Piano Competition. Lucas studies under Marcy McDonald and Alex McDonald and is also an accomplished violinist, serving as Concertmaster in the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra.

We are honored to showcase these talented young artists and look forward to a beautiful and inspiring performance at the Gala.