New York-based pianist Yang (Jack) Gao is developing a rising career as a recitalist, composer, chamber musician and orchestra soloist. In November 2023, he won the prestigious Naumburg International Piano Competition, receiving worldwide attention.
He is also the prize-winner of the Bösendorfer International Competition (second Prize, 2025), The Munz Piano Competition, (2024, first prize), Gina Bachauer Piano Competition at The Juilliard School (winner, 2023), the Juilliard Concerto Competition (winner, 2023) and the Steinway Junior Piano Competition (Second Prize, 2019). He has
performed recitals in China, the United States, Germany, and other countries. In June 2025, he was invited by Martha Argerich to perform in her festival in Hamburg, and became the only pianist that year receiving the Steinway Prize awarded by Argerich herself, with her comments “I am deeply impressed by his profound sensitivity, his great
stylistic flexibility, and his dazzling virtuosity, all of which he combines with a special openness both artistically and personally.” In February 2024, he gave a recital in Carnegie Hall and included a world-premiere of his newest work. Born in December 2003, he made his orchestral debut at age 17 performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Symphonic Orchestra of China Conservatory under conductor En Shao. Jack is also interested in chamber music and new music, frequently collaborating with other musicians and premiering new works. He has worked with world-renowned composers, including John Corigliano and Micheal Daugherty. He was
also awarded for the best collaborative pianist at the 2024 Koussevitzky String
Competition. He is currently a student of Jerome Lowenthal and Emanuel Ax at The
Juilliard School, where he receives multiple scholarships.