Jean-Yves Thibaudet wins the 2026 Avery Fisher Prize
The French pianist receives the $100,000 American prize while in New York to play Liszt with the New York Philharmonic.
French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet has been awarded the 2026 Avery Fisher Prize, one of the leading honors in American classical music. The prize carries a cash award of $100,000.
The citation recognizes his “extraordinary artistry and musical excellence” and “his distinctive contributions across genres,” along with his ability to bring “elegance, innovation, and broad cultural appeal” to classical music.
The prize is part of the Avery Fisher Artist Program at Lincoln Center. Artists do not apply and do not know they are being considered; an Executive Committee chooses the recipients. Earlier winners include Emanuel Ax, Yo-Yo Ma, Midori, Murray Perahia and André Watts.
Thibaudet is in New York this week as soloist with the New York Philharmonic, playing Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2 under conductor Rafael Payare at David Geffen Hall, with concerts listed for November 4, 5 and 7.
Source: Avery Fisher Artist Program, Lincoln Center, Pizzicato
Quick question
Who should a major career prize like this go to?
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