The Ronnie and Lawrence Ackman Classical Piano Prize at the New York Philharmonic is awarded every three years to an up-and-coming pianist or piano duo chosen by a confidential panel comprising prominent pianists, New York Philharmonic leadership, and other recognized musical figures. Prize-winners receive $30,000 and perform with the New York Philharmonic, play chamber music with Philharmonic musicians, and serve as classical music ambassadors, taking part in community engagement and education initiatives around New York City. The Ackman Prize is made possible by a generous gift from Philharmonic Board Member Lawrence Ackman and his wife, Ronnie.

Beatrice Rana was awarded The Ackman Prize on May 5, 2022, prior to her NY Phil debut in June 2022. About the honor Rana said: “When I got to know about this award, I was speechless. It is a way to recognize the work, to see that the life, the musical and interpretational choices, have been recognized by an institution like the New York Philharmonic, which is so important in the music scene.” She follows the inaugural recipient, Benjamin Grosvenor, who received the honor in 2016 and made his New York Philharmonic subscription debut in April 2018.

Beatrice Rana’s spring 2022 activities include her debut, performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, June 2–4, conducted by Music Director Jaap van Zweden; a chamber collaboration with the New York Philharmonic String Quartet at The 92nd Street Y, New York, June 7; and an after-school visit with student instrumentalists from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, June 1.

  • Inaugural Winner
    Benjamin Grosvenor

    In 2017 Benjamin Grosvenor said: “I am thrilled to receive the Ronnie and Lawrence Ackman Classical Piano Prize from the New York Philharmonic. To be the first recipient of this prize, generously sponsored by Ronnie and Lawrence Ackman, and awarded by one of the world’s great orchestras, is an immense honor. I was fortunate in making my New York debut in Carnegie Hall when I was 13 and from that occasion onwards have always been touched by the warmth I have experienced from New York audiences. I look forward greatly to making my subscription debut with the New York Philharmonic and also to becoming involved in community music projects in a city that has always treated me like one of their own, and which has such a rich musical history and culture.”

    As part of The Ackman Prize, in addition to performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in his NY Phil subscription debut, April 4–7, 2018, Grosvenor joined Musicians from the Philharmonic in works by Brahms and Schubert at The 92nd Street Y, New York.

    Learn more about Benjamin Grosvenor.

  • About the Ackmans
    Lawrence and Ronnie Ackman

    Lawrence and Ronnie Ackman are longtime supporters of the New York Philharmonic, particularly to the Orchestra’s programs featuring piano soloists. The Lawrence and Ronnie Ackman Family Fund for Distinguished Pianists has supported Philharmonic appearances by notable pianists including Yefim Bronfman, Emanuel Ax, Garrick Ohlsson, André Watts, Jeffrey Kahane, Inon Barnatan, Yuja Wang, and Daniil Trifonov. The Ackmans’ generosity also includes supporting special fundraising campaigns. Lawrence Ackman has been a Member of the New York Philharmonic’s Board of Directors since 2010. Ronnie Ackman, a pianist, is on the Lincoln Center Board. The Ackmans’ subscription tenure dates to 1942; it originally belonged to Mr. Ackman’s grandmother.

    “We are delighted and honored to work with the New York Philharmonic in establishing this prize,” said Lawrence Ackman. “I inherited my love for the New York Philharmonic from my grandmother, and Ronnie is a pianist herself, so this was the ideal way to act on both of our passions. I congratulate the panel on choosing Beatrice Rana as the second Ronnie and Lawrence Ackman Classical Piano Prize recipient — she perfectly captures the artistry and advocacy that the Prize was created to celebrate, and we look forward to experiencing both in her upcoming Philharmonic collaborations.”