APA Piano Awards Finals – L-R Michelle Cann, Elliot Wuu, Angie Zhang, Michael Davidman, Avery Gagliano, Sasha Hasman Laude and Chris William and David Pentzien- Courtesy of Mark Sheldon Photography. Used by permission.
Michael Davidman, 27, who holds an undergraduate degree from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and a master’s from the Juilliard School in New York City, is the new classical champion of the prestigious American Pianist Association Awards. He was chosen on Saturday night at the conclusion of the multistage national competition in Indianapolis, where five virtuoso finalists competed for a prize package valued at over $200,000. The event was held at the Hilbert Circle Theatre, home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, led by guest conductor JoAnn Falletta. The ISO accompanied Avery Gagliano and Sasha Kasman Laudie, the two remaining pianists.
Hosting the event for a live-stream broadcast from box seats overlooking the Hilbert stage, were soprano Angela Brown and performer-educator-composer-director Dominic Cheli.
On the previous Friday evening, Davidman performed Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30, one of the most daunting pieces in the piano repertoire. Also performing that evening was Angie Zhang, who played Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini, Op. 43, and Elliot Wuu, who performed Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3n D minor.
On Saturday, I witnessed Avery Gagliano perform a lovely, fragile interpretation of Chopin’s lyrical and romantic Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 11, and the Russian-born Laude play the same Rachmaninoff piece previously interpreted by Davidman. Her version was played with passionate fury and remarkable stamina, potent and intense in its delivery. It was a visceral experience that left me stunned and nearly breathless. Laude’s Russian roots were clearly evident in her compelling execution of the complex piece.
Fortunately, I was able to see all the finalists, except for Zhang, perform dance music at the Jazz Kitchen on Wednesday evening. At the Jazz Kitchen, Davidman played three pieces, which included Brazilian composer Carolina Cordoso de Menezes’ breezy waltz “Rosas amarelas para uma pianista.” Davidman’s introductory remarks revealed his affable, easy-going personality.
A tornado warning led to the program being temporarily paused until the weather improved. Due to concerns about my home, I left before the program concluded. Of the four finalists I did see, I was suitably impressed with their uniform talent, artistry, and impeccable technique.
As far as the finals event —Once Zhang and Laude concluded their performances, APA President & CEO Chris Williams introduced the finalists’ sponsors, who awarded $25,000 cash prizes to each competitor, followed by an introduction of the esteemed judges: Robert Rust, Spencer Myer, Tito Munoz, and Marina Lomazov.
After a break for champagne, the audience returned for Williams’s climactic announcement of Davidman’s victory. His prize includes career management, publicity, an artist residency at the University of Indianapolis, a recording contract with the Steinway record label, and a recital tour.
The APA began in 1979 as the Beethoven Foundation in New York prior to relocating to Indianapolis in 1982. Today the renowned competition takes place over a 13-month period. One of the crown jewels of Indianapolis’ world class cultural attractions, it is one we can all take tremendous pride in.
