Dennis Fleitz (b. 2001), the youngest of six musicians, grew up surrounded by the sounds of musical theater, classical piano, and jazz. This unique musical upbringing continues to shape his programming, guiding his belief that each concert is an opportunity to introduce audiences to a diverse variety of music and art.

Dennis recently completed his MM in Cello Performance at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, studying under the tutelage of Alan Stepansky. He previously earned his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida, studying with David Bjella. He will continue his studies at the Yale School of Music under the tutelage of Paul Watkins and Ole Akahoshi.

At Peabody, Dennis served as principal cellist of the Peabody Conductors’ Orchestra, performing for the conducting studio of Marin Alsop, and also held the principal role in multiple cycles of the Peabody Symphony Orchestra. At UCF Dennis was the principal cellist of the UCF Symphony Orchestra and was awarded the Dr. Gale Sperry Music Scholarship, the Dr. Marilyn W. Whistler Award, and the Presser Award.

Dennis has earned numerous accolades, most recently winning the 2026 VSA International Young Musicians Program, for which he is eligible as a musician living with Type 1 Diabetes. In 2024, he was awarded second prize at the Music Teachers National Association Young Artists Competition, representing Florida and the Southern Division; judges praised his playing as “sensitive and colorful,” with “terrific virtuosity and showmanship.” He also won first prize at the Beth Mason Young Artists Competition in 2022, performing Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 2 with the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra.

He has participated in leading summer programs including the Bowdoin International Music Festival, where he studied with David Ying, and the Aspen Music Festival and School, where he studied with Eric Kim and Kangho Lee.

Dennis’ love for music doesn’t stop at playing cello. He also spends much of his time composing and singing. His passion for composing has led to successful commissions from a variety of parties, including the UCF Cello Choir, the Round Top Music Festival Cello Section—who performed his arrangement at a Round Top Festival Orchestra concert—and a wedding in Denmark. Song-writing is his favorite hobby, but beyond music Dennis enjoys playing video games, working out, bowling, penny-boarding, and spending time with his family.