William Yang (’23) and Nathanial Zhang Win Top Prizes at 11th National Chopin Piano Competition
Congratulations to Curtis alumnus William Yang (’23) and current piano student Nathanial Zhang, who recently won top prizes at the 11th National Chopin Piano Competition, held on January 11 and 12, 2025, at Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, Frost School of Music, on the campus of the University of Miami. Both musicians impressed the esteemed jury in the final rounds, where Mr. Yang performed Frédéric Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61 and Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21. Mr. Zhang played the composer’s Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61 and Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11.
William Yang won the first prize of $100,000—as well as the best mazurka and best sonata awards of $2,000 each—with automatic acceptance to the XIX International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland, in October 2025, a concert tour, and a studio recording on the Steinway & Sons record label (underwritten by Steinway & Sons). Nathanial Zhang won the third prize of $20,000 and the best concerto award of $2,000 and will compete in the preliminary round of the same competition in April/May 2025. See the complete list of winners and their prizes.
Since 1975, the National Chopin Piano Competition has become one of the premiere piano competitions in the world, internationally recognized as a pivotal stepping stone towards a thriving career in piano performance. Over 500 young pianists have applied, and more than 200 of America’s best pianists from 30 states have been selected to compete in Miami over the past five decades for the first ten editions of the competition. Learn more about the competition HERE.
Watch the final rounds of the competition, featuring the prize-winning performances by Mr. Yang and Mr. Zhang.
Banner images of William Yang courtesy of artist and Nathanial Zhang by Nicole MCH Photography. Photos of Mr. Yang and Mr. Zhang in the finals, courtesy of the National Chopin Piano Competition.
