Congratulations to Curtis alumnus Michael Davidman (Piano ’19), who recently won the 2025 American Piano Awards and the prestigious Christel DeHaan Fellowship. Mr. Davidman was joined by fellow Curtis alumna Avery Gagliano (’24) as one of the finalists selected from a pool of over 1,200 nominations by industry professionals. They both earned a $25,000 cash prize; Mr. Davidman will also receive over $200,000 in career support, including two years of artist management and public relations services, a media tour, a residency at the University of Indianapolis, a recording contract with the Steinway & Sons label, and numerous performance opportunities both in the United States and abroad.
Michael Davidman (’19) Wins 2025 American Piano Awards
The acclaimed pianist, Curtis alumnus, and recent Daniel W. Dietrich II Young Alumni Fund recipient won prestigious competition and the Christel DeHaan Fellowship
Following his remarkable performance of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30, Mr. Davidman was awarded first place in the competition. As the top prize winner (the 50th winner of the competition since it began 1979), he will also embark on a recital tour during the 2026–27 season, along with concert engagements with the American Piano Award’s partner orchestras, including the Phoenix Symphony, Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and others.
A graduate of the Curtis and Juilliard, Mr. Davidman is currently studying with Stanislav Ioudenitch at the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid. He is a winner of the Long-Thibaud International Piano Competition, the Juilliard Gina Bachauer Competition, and the Ithaca College of Music Piano Competition, and has performed as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Orchestre Symphonique de la Garde Républicaine, Symphonicity, and the Monterey Symphony.
Read about the competition HERE, and learn more via the Violin Channel.
Visit Michael Davidman‘s official website and Curtis Artist Management’s artist page for Avery Gagliano.
Photo Credits: 1.) Michael Davidman; Christine Tannous and IndyStar. 2 & 3.) Mr. Davidman and Ms. Gagliano performing in the 2025 American Piano Awards finals; Mark Sheldon. 4.) Portrait of Mr. Davidman courtesy of the American Piano Awards.
