Pierre’s Piano News January 2026

Dear friends,

As we turn the page into a new year, I find myself filled with gratitude and excitement for all that awaits The Gilmore in 2026. I began the year with a flurry of activity, including lots of travel, support of our Gilmore and Bell artists, and assisting colleagues in nurturing the next generation of pianists.

Our team is also excitedly gearing up for the 2026 festival, which is only a couple of months away. Public sales have started, and many concerts will sell out, so be sure to grab your seats!

I traveled to Lucerne, Switzerland, in early January for the world premiere of The Kalamazoo Flow, a new work by composer Anders Hillborg, commissioned for Alexandre Kantorow through his Gilmore Award funds, and co-commissioned by The Gilmore. Shortly after, I began my work as a juror for the International Franz Liszt Competition in Utrecht. It was an honor to join this distinguished jury, and I look forward to witnessing the next generation of exceptional Liszt interpreters.

Back here in the U.S., we’re pleased to share a story this month about our newly selected pianos. Sullivan Fortner—our inaugural Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist—joined us in New York to select the instruments. Sullivan will perform on his chosen piano at the 2026 Festival.

And looking ahead, Sophié van der Westhuzien and I are delighted to present Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, for two pianos, percussion, and choir, for the Kalamazoo Choral Arts on February 25th. We hope you will join us for what promises to be a joyful musical evening. Thank you, as always, for being part of The Gilmore family. Your support sustains our work and inspires our vision for the future. I look forward to starting this new year of music with you.

Warmly,

The Gilmore Around the World

Pierre & Lucerne Symphony Orchestra Intendant, Numa Bischof Ullmann at their panel discussion.

Pierre traveled to Lucerne, Switzerland, for the premiere of The Kalamazoo Flow, Alexandre’s first piece commissioned using his Gilmore Artist award funds. This piece by Anders Hillborg debuted at The Piano festival Le Piano Symphonique, where Alexandre also performed Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto. We are counting down the days until Kantorow brings the U.S. premiere of The Kalamazoo Flow to The 2026 Festival.

While in Lucerne, Pierre also took part in a panel discussion on next-generation artists with Luzerner Sinfonieorchester Intendant Numa Bischof Ullmann. The conversation—closely aligned with The Gilmore’s mission—was held at the historic Hotel Schweizerhof, where Rubinstein once performed, Tolstoy stayed, Wagner was married next door, and Martha Argerich performed later that same day.

In addition, 2018 Gilmore Young Artist Elliot Wuu participated in a master class led by Stephen Kovacevich and appeared in a fellowship recital at the festival.

program also includes Prokofiev’s Piano Sonata No. 8, one of Prokofiev’s most important contributions to the genre.

Left: Pierre in Lucerne, Center: Pierre & Numa after their panel discussion Right: Hillborg & Kantorow rehearsing

Left: Pierre & Numa at their panel Right: Hillborg & Kantorow bowing after The Kalamazoo Flow premiere

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The International Franz Lizst Competition

Members of the Liszt Utrecht competition jury, including: Saskia Giorgini, Mariam Batsashvili, Yingdi Sun, Andrea Bonatta, Severin von Eckardstein, me, Janina Fialkowska, Rob Hilberink (Director), Cynthia Wilson, and Suzana Bartal

Left: A performance Pierre attended at the competition, Right: Pierre on the International Franz Liszt Competition jury

Shortly after, Pierre traveled to Utrecht to work as a juror for the International Franz Liszt Competition. This competition is held in Utrecht, Netherlands and is one of the world’s most prestigious piano contests, held every three years to celebrate Liszt’s legacy and champion extraordinary young artists from around the globe. Founded in 1986 and now part of the World Federation of International Music Competitions, it goes beyond traditional competition rounds to include multiple performance formats and a comprehensive three-year career development program for its top winners. An international jury of distinguished pianists and teachers carefully evaluates competitors’ artistry, technique, and interpretive insight—making jury service a mark of deep respect in the field. We are proud that Pierre served on this esteemed panel, helping to shape decisions that support and launch the careers of emerging piano stars.

Thank you for supporting The Gilmore and celebrating the achievements of these remarkable artists. We also hope you’ll join us in welcoming many of this year’s Gilmore and Bell Artists and Young Artists at the 2026 Gilmore Piano Festival—which will be the first Festival for Alexandre Kantorow, Sullivan Fortner, Esteban Castro, and Tyler Bullock. We look forward to sharing their Festival debuts with you.

Gilmore Education & Community Engagement Manager Leslie Boughton attended the SphinxConnect: DISCOVER conference last week in Detroit. The Sphinx Organization is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of the arts, increasing representation in classical music, and celebrating excellence while addressing the systemic lack of access within Black and Latino communities.

While there, she ran into 2022 Gilmore Young Artist Clayton Stephenson, who won the 2025 Sphinx Medal of Excellence for Piano.

The Sphinx Medal of Excellence is the organization’s highest honor, recognizing extraordinary leaders in the classical music field who are transforming lives while addressing systemic obstacles within Black and Latino communities. Along with a career grant, Sphinx annually awards the Medal to three early-career artists who demonstrate artistic excellence, outstanding work ethic, determination, and a strong commitment to leadership and community.