Gilmore Young Artist Award

In 1989 trustees of the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation of Kalamazoo, Mich., announced plans to honor the memory of Irving S. Gilmore, a local businessman and philanthropist, by creating a piano award and festival in his name. But the award they conceived was dramatically different from others, most of which are based on competitions. Gilmore Award candidates are not judged in a competition, but rather they are evaluated discreetly and over a period of time and numerous performances for their musicianship and performing abilities.

The Gilmore Young Artist Award is presented every two years to exceptional American pianists 22 and younger who demonstrate the talent and drive to become successful concert pianists. Between 1990 and 2004, 20 remarkable young pianists received the Gilmore Young Artist Award. New Gilmore Young Artists will be named in 2006. Each musician receives a $15,000 grant to further his or her musical career and educational development.

Nominations are made by leaders in the field of music, and nominees are not told of their inclusion in this noncompetitive selection process. Final decisions are made by the director of The Gilmore and an anonymous Artistic Advisory Committee.

The philosophy of noncompetition is a tribute to Mr. Gilmore, who spent his wealth on others – particularly pianists – quietly and without fanfare. To learn more about Irving S. Gilmore, please read his biography.

For the current Gilmore Young Artists, click here.

For the previous two groups of Gilmore Young Artists, scroll down the right column of this page and click on "More" to read about a specific artists.

For a listing of all the previous Gilmore Young Artists, click here.

Calendar

May 2008

June 2008