The American Pianists Association has announced the five finalists of the 2025 American Pianists Awards. They are:
– Michael Davidman, 26, of New York City.
– Avery Gagliano, 22, of Washington, D.C., now residing in Philadelphia.
– Sasha Kasman Laude, 28, of Birmingham, Ala., now of Logan, Utah.
– Elliot Wuu, 24, of Freemont, Calif., now of New York City.
– Angie Zhang, 28, of Princeton, N.J., now of Los Angeles.
The five finalists, all already accomplished professionals, will compete for the prestigious Christel DeHaan Classical Fellowship, given every four years to an American classical pianist at the conclusion of the organization’s 13-month competition.
“The 2025 Awards are a unique celebration of our five talented finalists,” SAID Chris Williams, the APA’s president and CEO. “It is incredibly rewarding to collaborate with these young pianists in the early stages of their careers and provide opportunities for them to grow as artists. I look forward to supporting our finalists throughout the awards and beyond, as we launch the next generation of great American classical pianists.”
From October 2024 through February 2025, each finalist will be invited to Indianapolis for the Premiere Series – the first live-juried performances of the awards, consisting of solo repertoire and a concerto performance with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra at the Indiana History Center.
While in town, the finalists will also participate in educational and community events. All five finalists will return for Discovery Week, held March 31 to April 5. Over the course of the week, each finalist will perform a chamber music recital with the Dover Quartet at Christ Church Cathedral and a solo recital at The Jazz Kitchen.
The final juried performances of the 2025 Awards are the Gala Finals with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, conducted by JoAnn Falletta, on April 4-5 at Hilbert Circle Theatre.
PHOTO ABOVE: The five finalists will take part in Piano on the Plaza, set for 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Bicentennial Unity Plaza.
