Michael Davidman has been named the winner of the 2025 American Piano Awards, following a bold and masterful performance in the competition’s final round held in Indianapolis.
For his final appearance in the multistage national competition, Davidman selected Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30—a piece widely regarded as one of the most technically demanding works in the piano repertoire. It was his first time performing the piece with a full orchestra before a live audience and jury, adding an extra layer of challenge to an already complex work.
The 27-year-old pianist delivered his performance on Friday night at the Hilbert Circle Theatre, accompanied by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The risk proved worthwhile, as Davidman emerged as the classical winner of the biennial competition, which offers a prize package valued at more than $200,000.
“I felt very nervous and uncomfortable before, but when I came out on the stage and it started, it just kind of flowed and really worked from there,” Davidman shared with IndyStar. “By the end, it was just such a wonderful feeling and experience to do it. It’s really such a thrill to play it. It’s really such an amazing piece, and it really has everything in it that a pianist would want to express.”
Davidman, who was also a finalist in the 2021 edition of the competition, receives an extensive career-boosting package as part of his award. This includes professional career management, public relations support, a recording contract with the Steinway label, an artist residency at the University of Indianapolis, and a national recital tour.
In addition to these opportunities, each of the five finalists, including Davidman, will receive $25,000. The American Piano Awards, held every two years in Indianapolis, alternates between classical and jazz categories and is open to pianists aged 18 to 30.
Davidman’s bold artistic choice and standout performance not only earned him the top prize but also highlighted his expressive depth and technical command, firmly positioning him among the rising stars of the classical music world.
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