Piano on the Plaza

For the first time in the history of the competition, the 2025 American Pianists Awards kick off with a free outdoor concert in downtown Indianapolis! Join us Saturday, September 21 for an exciting afternoon of music and community with "Piano on the Plaza," a free concert at Bicentennial Unity Plaza at 3:30 p.m. This festive event will feature performances by the five 2025 Awards finalists coupled with engaging interviews with emcees Ryan Ahlwardt and Katasha Butler.

Highlights:

• Host and Emcees: before the concert, “Indiana’s own” Dana Black will engage with the audience and introduce a special performance by Indianapolis Public Schools students on keytars. Next, Ryan Ahlwardt, a renowned singer/songwriter and co-host of the Emmy-winning IndyNow, joins with community leader Katasha Butler, notable through her work at Eskenazi Health and involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, to introduce each finalist.
• Finalist Performances: the five finalists of the 2025 American Pianists Awards – Michael Davidman (26), Avery Gagliano (22), Sasha Kasman Laude (28), Elliot Wuu (24), and Angie Zhang (28) – will each perform a short piece, showcasing their incredible talent and giving the audience a taste of what’s to come in the year-long competition.
• Community Involvement: in addition to stellar piano performances, the event will highlight local talent and community spirit, making it a perfect family-friendly outing.

About the Venue: Bicentennial Unity Plaza, a recent addition to the city following the $400 million renovation of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, is quickly becoming a cultural hotspot. After hosting the 2024 NBA All-Star game opening celebration, it now welcomes "Piano on the Plaza" as another milestone event.

Event Details:

• What: Piano on the Plaza
• When: September 21
• Time: 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Bicentennial Unity Plaza, next to Gainbridge Fieldhouse [125 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis]
• Tickets: FREE (Registration encouraged for updates and weather-related notifications)

Finalist Program:

Michael Davidman
“The Muse,” Op. 34, No. 1 by Sergei Rachmaninoff (transcribed by Earl Wild)
Etudes-Tableau Op. 39, No. 1 by Sergei Rachmaninoff

Avery Gagliano
Mazurkas, Op. 30, No. 2-4 by Frédéric Chopin

Sasha Kasman Laude
Recueil de Chants, Op. 65, No. 6: Barcarolle by Charles-Valentin Alkan
Overture to “Colas Breugnon” by Dmitry Kabalevsky (transcribed by Sasha Kasman Laude)

Elliot Wuu
“Kinderszenen,” Op. 15, No. 1-7 by Robert Schumann

Angie Zhang
“Troubled Water” by Margaret Bonds

Celebrate the start of the 2025 American Pianists Awards and enjoy an afternoon of world-class music and community connection. Don’t miss the party at Bicentennial Unity Plaza on September 21!

Host or Publisher American Pianists Association