We’ve got exciting news to share!

We are thrilled to announce that 17-year-old pianist Alex Yang from Halifax, Nova Scotia, has been named the 2026 Debut Atlantic Award for Musical Excellence recipient – marking his second consecutive win following his 2025 award!

Recognized as one of Canada’s most compelling emerging artists, Alex studies at the Juilliard Pre-College with Yoheved Kaplinsky, and previously with Emanuel Ax, Michael Berkovsky, and Lynn Stodola. In 2025, he was awarded a full fellowship to the Aspen Music Festival and School, and further distinguished himself at Angela Hewitt’s Trasimeno Music Festival Masterclasses in Italy, where he was praised for his “remarkable clarity and sense of line” and “remarkable sensitivity.”

Alex recently won the Juilliard Pre-College Concerto Competition and will perform Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto at Lincoln Center in February 2026. His many accolades include prizes at the Kaufman International Piano Competition, Grand Prize at the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals National Competition, and finalist standing at the Canadian Chopin Competition (Senior Division). He has also been featured on CBC Music’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30.”

This year’s esteemed juror, pianist David Potvin, remarked on Alex’s “excellent, expressive, and stylistically appropriate playing.” The Award includes a $2,000 cash prize, a featured performance, and mentorship with Debut Atlantic artists – recognizing Alex’s exceptional artistry and continued growth.

Congratulations, Alex, on this outstanding achievement!