Recipient of the 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant, American pianist Mackenzie Melemed has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices of his generation, admired for his nuanced interpretations, technical finesse, and deep artistic sensibility. Hailed as “an excellent young pianist” by The New York Times, he enjoyed an abundance of early-stage experience, with over 500 performances to his name by age 13, making him one of the most seasoned pianists among his peers. Whether in recital, chamber music, or orchestral settings, his performances are marked by a rare ability to communicate, to reveal, and to connect—with the score, with fellow musicians, and most of all, with the audience.

Born in Massachusetts, Melemed began piano studies at age four and soon performed weekly for senior citizens. At five, he made a national appearance on The Rosie O’Donnell Show, and by nine was headlining a 60-show run at the Tropicana Resort in Atlantic City. From nine to thirteen, he was invited annually to perform at the White House during Holiday Open House celebrations—experiences that nurtured his comfort on stage and natural ease in sharing music.

Melemed’s artistry extends beyond performance, weaving storytelling into thoughtfully curated programs that blend familiar works with rare discoveries. His vision is to spark curiosity for lesser-known composers while inspiring future pianists to explore uncharted repertoire, gradually expanding what we consider essential to the classical canon.

A laureate of the 2021 American Pianists Awards and the inaugural China International Music Competition, Melemed was the only pianist to receive a 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant—one of the highest honors for young American classical musicians. He has performed as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic, Edmonton Symphony, and Polish Radio Orchestra, and has appeared in recital at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall and major venues across North America, Europe, and Asia.

A Steinway Artist, Melemed studied at The Juilliard School with Robert McDonald and Emanuel Ax (BM, MM, Artist Diploma). Drawn to music that lies off the beaten path, he has developed a reputation for championing lesser-known works and rarely-performed concerti. His commitment to new music is reflected in Tulevaisuus (Finnish for “future”), his debut album, which pairs Bach, Brahms, and Liszt with new commissions by Sir Stephen Hough, Laura Kaminsky, and Avner Dorman.

Currently, Melemed is on tour with Keys Across America, the largest all-American piano recital tour in celebration of USA 250. The project spans more than 50 cities nationwide, presenting music from the 19th century to the present day.

Since 2020, Melemed has been based in Helsinki, Finland, following his success at the 2017 Maj Lind Piano Competition and his studies in Finnish at Columbia University. Former teachers include Dean Arvidson, Alexander Korsantia, Olga Rogach, and William Smiddy.