“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.”
So said Beatrice Rana when she learned that she was to receive the Ronnie and Lawrence Ackman Classical Piano Prize at the New York Philharmonic, which honors and supports rising pianists. Recipients — chosen by a confidential panel — receive $30,000, perform with the Orchestra, and serve as classical music ambassadors around the city. Benjamin Grosvenor received the inaugural award, in 2017.
The Prize is made possible by Lawrence and Ronnie Ackman, long-standing supporters of the New York Philharmonic and lovers of classical music: Lawrence has served on the NY Phil’s Board of Directors since 2010, and Ronnie is on the Lincoln Center Board — and she’s a gifted pianist.
Rana’s activities connected with the Ackman Prize include her NY Phil debut, performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 on June 2–4, conducted by Music Director Jaap van Zweden; a collaboration with the New York Philharmonic String Quartet at the 92nd Street Y on June 7; and an after-school visit with student instrumentalists from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, on June 1.
In the words of Lawrence Ackman, Beatrice Rana “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.”
