American Pianists Association

American Pianists Association
Formation1979; 45 years ago (1979)
by Victor Borge, Tony Habig, and Julius Bloom
PurposeDiscover, promote and advance the careers of young, American, world-class jazz and classical pianists
Headquarters4603 Clarendon Road, Suite 030, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Location
Region served
United States
President & CEO
Chris Williams
Current Classical Winner
Kenny Broberg
Current Jazz Winner
Isaiah J. Thompson
Main organ
Board of Directors
Websiteamericanpianists.org
Formerly called
The Beethoven Foundation

The American Pianists Association is a non-profit performing arts organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The organization's goal is to "discover, promote, and advance" the careers of young American pianists. The organization hosts a biennial competition called the American Pianists Awards, which switches focus from classical piano to jazz piano every two years.[1] Valued at over $200,000, the awards of the competition are among the most lucrative piano prizes in the world.[citation needed] The Cole Porter Fellowship, awarded to the winner of the jazz competitions, is one of the greatest honors young American jazz musicians can receive.[2] In non-competition years, the organization hosts a recital series called Grand Encounters,[3] and from 2003 through 2008, the association produced Indy Jazz Fest.[4]

  1. ^ "These young star pianists will perform in Indianapolis starting this fall". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  2. ^ Chinen, Nate; Smith, Trevor (13 July 2023). "Relive the 2023 American Pianists Awards from Indianapolis". NPR Music.
  3. ^ Harvey, Jay. "Florida native Sean Chen named DeHaan Classical Fellow". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2013-08-15.
  4. ^ "History". American Pianists Association. Retrieved 2013-08-15.