Andrew Lee after winning first prize in the 2026 Steinway/Avanti Piano Competition at ASU

Chopin Piano Arts Student Andrew Lee Wins First Prize at the 2026 Steinway/Avanti Competition

The Chopin Piano Arts community is proud to celebrate an extraordinary achievement by one of our outstanding young pianists. Andrew J. Lee, a student of Dr. Ivona Kaminska-Bowlby, has won First Prize at the prestigious 2026 Steinway/Avanti Competition, held at Arizona State University.

This major accomplishment reflects Andrew’s exceptional artistry, dedication, and years of focused piano training and competition preparation at the highest level.

About the Steinway/Avanti Competition

The Steinway/Avanti Competition, presented as part of the Avanti Future Stars Festival, has become one of the most respected showcases for emerging pianists in the United States. The festival was founded by internationally renowned Brazilian pianist and educator Caio Pagano, whose vision has long centered on cultivating young artists through performance opportunities, mentorship, and rigorous musical standards.

Hosted at Arizona State University, the festival attracts talented young pianists from across the country who perform demanding repertoire before distinguished adjudicators. The competition places a strong emphasis on artistic maturity, technical command, and interpretive insight, making it an important stepping stone for serious young musicians pursuing professional careers.

This year’s distinguished jury included internationally respected artists and pedagogues:

Cathal Breslin
Fanya Lin
David Northington
Stephen Siek
Radmila Stojanovic-Kiriluk

Performing before such an esteemed panel makes the achievement particularly meaningful and speaks to the exceptional level of artistry required to earn top honors.

Andrew Lee’s Winning Performance

Andrew presented a sophisticated and demanding program that demonstrated both technical brilliance and deep musical understanding:

Johann Sebastian Bach
Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 865

Karol Szymanowski
Mazurka No. 1 from 20 Mazurkas, Op. 50

Witold Lutosławski
Etude No. 1 from Two Studies (1941)

Sergei Rachmaninoff
Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36 – I. Allegro agitato

This diverse repertoire spans several musical eras and styles—from the contrapuntal clarity of Bach to the expressive modernism of Lutosławski and the powerful Romantic drama of Rachmaninoff—highlighting Andrew’s remarkable versatility as a young pianist.

Andrew Lee, with mother and instructors, Dr. Kaminska and Dr. Bowlby — Andrew Lee celebrates his First Prize victory at the 2026 Steinway/Avanti Competition with his teachers and mentors.

A Collaborative Approach to Competition Preparation

Andrew studies piano with Drs. Ivona Kaminska-Bowlby and Christopher Bowlby, alongside guidance from the legendary pianist Peter Mack. This collaborative coaching approach reflects the philosophy at Chopin Piano Arts, where students benefit from both individual piano lessons and advanced competition preparation designed to develop complete musicianship.

Reflecting on Andrew’s achievement, Dr. Kaminska-Bowlby shared:

“Bravo to Andrew for getting first place in the Avanti Competition this weekend! This fortunate verdict is truly deserved. Andrew is not only hardworking but also extremely teachable and open-minded. We have a wonderful cooperation in coaching going on with Chris and Peter Mack. It is fun working with all of you—something new but obviously successful!”

A Rising Young Artist

Andrew Lee has already built an impressive performance résumé. He has appeared as a soloist with the Golden State Youth Orchestra and has participated in major festivals including:

MusicAlp Festival (France)
Southeastern Piano Festival
Seattle Piano Institute
Philadelphia International Music Festival

He has also worked in masterclasses with distinguished artists such as Sara Davis Buechner, Alexander Moutouzkine, and Edward Auer.

Andrew previously trained at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and has earned numerous top prizes at regional, national, and international piano competitions. Recent honors include:

First Prize – WSMTA Outstanding Artist Piano Competition (2025)
First Prize – San Francisco International Piano Competition (2025)
First Prize – Chopin Council of San Francisco Chopin Competition (2025)
Gold Medal – Seattle International Piano Competition Bach Festival
Grand Prix – Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle Competition

Outside of music, Andrew is also an accomplished athlete, competing in golf and tennis and qualifying for the 2025–26 WIAA Boys Tennis Championships. He also contributes to his community through performances and teaching.

Celebrating Student Success at Chopin Piano Arts

Andrew’s victory at the Steinway/Avanti Competition is a testament to the dedication, discipline, and artistic vision required to succeed in major piano competitions.

At Chopin Piano Arts, our faculty specialize in guiding young musicians through advanced piano lessons, performance training, and competition preparation, helping students develop the confidence and artistry needed to excel on major stages.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Andrew on this extraordinary achievement and look forward to many more musical milestones in his future.

Bravo, Andrew!