An award-winning international solo artist, Dr. Iva Ugrčić, has been celebrated for her “mesmerizing performances” (The Flute View Magazine), “breathtaking perfection” (The American Prize), and “supreme expertise” (The Fanfare Music Magazine). Renowned for her dynamic and brilliant artistry, Dr. Ugrčić has captivated audiences worldwide with her performances, both as a soloist and in chamber and orchestral ensembles.
Named the “Musician of the Year for 2018” by the Well-Tempered Ear, “Woman to Watch 2022” in BRAVA Magazine, and the winner of The American Prize in professional solo division in 2023, Dr. Ugrčić enjoys unique and versatile career as a performer, educator, speaker, coach, entrepreneur, and music advocate.
An energetic and passionate educator, Dr. Ugrčić currently teaches at Duquesne University and has presented workshops, masterclasses, and performances throughout the United States and Europe.
As an entrepreneur, Iva is the Founder & CEO/Artistic Director of LunART, an award-winning nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, promote, and celebrate all women in the arts as well as the Owner & Coach at Artistic Wealth Coach, LLC., offering financial and career coaching services to artists and creatives globally.
Dr. Ugrčić’s most recent solo album, “Gate of Dreams,” featuring flute works by contemporary Romanian composer Doina Rotaru, was released through Music&Arts record label and available on all streaming platforms. This album underscores her steadfast commitment to showcasing works by women composers. As the Flute View Magazine wrote: “Ugrcic’s interpretation is nothing short of brilliant… this album is a testament to her mastery as a flutist and her ability to breathe life into complex compositions” (March 2024).
Dr. Iva Ugrčić’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication, artistic excellence, and visionary leadership. Her ability to transcend boundaries, embrace diversity, and champion innovation make her a remarkable figure.
Armenian pianist Vahan Sargsyan graduated from Komitas State Conservatory in Yerevan Armenia. His teachers were Elza Tandilyan and his father, renowned pianist professor Villi Sargsyan.
He is a Prize Winner of the International Piano Competition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, also a winner of Pittsburgh Concert Society Major auditions as solo pianist and in various chamber groups.
Mr. Sargsyan has concertized in Armenia, Georgia, Italy, Russia, Austria, Argentina, Brazil, USA, Canada and most recently, in Chengdu, China. His recordings are kept in archives of the Public Radio of Armenia, Radio DQED Pittsburgh, CD’s released on Alanna, Aerophon, Ablaze and Suzuki labels.
Having performed as a concerto soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 2004, since then appeared regularly at the Orchestra keyboards. Currently, in addition to other collaborative engagements, Mr. Vahan Sargsyan is as an Artist Lecturer in collaborative piano and chamber music at Carnegie Mellon University.
Jackson Hunt, 22, recipient of the 2025 grant from the Homer Wickline and Conrad Seamen Memorial Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation, is in his senior year as a double music major at Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio, majoring in both piano and composition. He currently studies piano with Dr. Alvin Chow. His former piano teachers include Yeeha Chiu and Sean Baran, and his former composition teacher is Robert Schultz. He has won many awards for both piano and composition, including Finalist in the 2025 John Elvin Prize Competition, 3rd prize in the 2025 Tuesday Musical Scholarship Competition in Ohio, 1st prize in the Charleston International Music Competition for Piano, 1st prize in the 2022 Opus National Competition for piano, 1st prize in the 2022 PMTA Keystone Composition Competition, 2nd prize in the 2021 Pennsylvania MTNA Senior Piano Competition, and 3rd prize in the 2021 National MTNA Senior Composition Competition. Jackson plans to further his music studies either in graduate school for piano or in the study of piano technology.
