Grass Valley, CA: Following a thrilling American Piano Awards victory and rave reviews for his electrifying Rachmaninoff performances, 28-year-old pianist Michael Davidman brings his artistry to Grass Valley on Sunday, February 15, 2026, as one of today’s most exciting emerging voices on the international concert scene. InConcert Sierra has collaborated with the American Piano Awards since 2007, presenting both recent winners and distinguished past laureates.
Davidman’s program opens with Bach’s Toccata in D Major, a lively and sparkling piece full of energy and invention that shows the piano at its most playful and brilliant. Schubert’s Sonata in C minor follows, a deeply expressive work that moves between stormy drama and tender, song-like moments.
After intermission, Franck’s Organ Choral No. 2 brings a rich, cathedral-like sound to the piano, creating a sense of grandeur and reflection. The concert closes with Liszt’s Sonata in B minor, a powerful and dramatic journey that ranges from quiet, mysterious passages to breathtaking virtuosity. Together, the program offers an emotional and captivating journey through some of the most moving and exciting music ever written for piano.
Hailed for his electrifying artistry and international acclaim, Davidman has earned top honors at major competitions including the Long-Thibaud International Piano Competition, the Juilliard Gina Bachauer Competition, and the Ithaca College of Music Piano Competition. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School, he is currently refining his artistry at the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid.
His performances with leading ensembles such as the Philadelphia Orchestra,
Orchestre Symphonique de la Garde Républicaine, Symphonicity, and the Monterey Symphony have established him as a compelling and distinctive voice on the global concert stage, praised for both technical brilliance and expressive insight.
“Michael Davidman has amazing technique and beautiful hands – it will be intriguing to watch his hands, “ said Ken Hardin, InConcert Sierra’s Artistic Director. “At the concert, we project the pianist’s hands live on the wall above the stage – making this an unforgettable visual and musical experience.”
There will be a 1:15 pre-concert forum prior to the 2pm concert to enrich the concert experience and give attendees an inside look at the music and composers, with performer insights and a chance to ask questions.
WHAT: Michael Davidman: American Piano Awards Winner
WHEN: Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 2pm
WHERE: 12889 Osborne Hill Road, Grass Valley (GV Seventh-day Adventist Church)
TICKETS: $50 general admission, $5 youth 18 and under
Phone: 530-273-3990; online: https://www.simpletix.com/e/michael-davidman-piano-tickets-215187; or in person
Since 1946, InConcert Sierra has brought world-class classical music to the Sierra Nevada region. The organization offers educational programs, outreach, and collaborations to inspire a love of classical music. ICS is currently building Crown Point Venues, featuring a new acoustic concert hall, conference center, and black box theater.