Eowyn, a Franco-American sophomore at the Lycée Français de San Francisco, is making a name for herself in the world of classical piano. Since the age of six, she has studied piano at CMC under the mentorship of Ms. Lilia Zheltova. Now, as the pianist for the LFSF Orchestra and a standout competitor in international piano competitions, Eowyn continues to impress audiences and judges with her dedication and artistry.
Eowyn’s love for music began early, guided by one of our esteemed faculty members, Lilia Zheltova. Through this mentorship, she has developed a deep appreciation for the nuances of classical piano performance. Her journey has been marked by numerous accolades, including:
- United Stars Music Competition 2024: Honorable Mention (4th place in 2022, winner in the Chopin category in 2023)
- Euterpe Music Awards 2024: Honor Prize Winner
- Clara Schumann International Competition 2025: Honorary Mention Award
- Charleston International Piano Competition 2025: 4th Prize
- Music Through the Centuries Piano Competition (Steinway) 2025: Finalist, 2nd place in the preliminary round
Her recent performances have been widely recognized, including a reflective and expressive interpretation of Mozart’s Fantasy No. 3 in D Minor, K. 397. In her own words:
“Performing Mozart’s Fantasy No. 3 in D Minor feels like engaging in a dialogue with one of the greatest composers in history. This piece, with its dramatic contrasts, challenges me to explore both technical precision and emotional depth.”
The judges of the Charleston International Music Competition echoed these sentiments, praising her ability to highlight the intricate layers of the piece with precision and expressive nuance.
Outside of her musical pursuits, Eowyn is passionate about storytelling through STEM (coding), business, and the humanities. She aspires to integrate these interests into her future studies at a prestigious academic institution.
Reflecting on Eowyn’s achievements, Ms. Zheltova shared:
“In 2023, I introduced my students to online competitions. Eowyn was the only one who pursued it, earning an Honorable Mention in the United Stars Music Competition. From there, she sought more opportunities and continued to succeed. There was no special preparation for the competitions; we simply worked on refining the pieces and uncovering their inner beauty. Performing live versus recording for a competition requires different strategies, and we addressed both in our lessons. These experiences have been invaluable for both Eowyn and me as her teacher.”
With a growing list of achievements and an unwavering passion for music, Eowyn is on a path to continued success in the world of classical music. As she continues her journey at CMC and beyond, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians who strive to combine technical mastery with artistic expression.
Stay tuned for more updates on Eowyn’s musical journey as she continues to share her passion with the world.
