The 2025 Thomas F. Hulbert International Piano Competition showcased exceptional young talent from around the world, with the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano taking center stage at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County from July 24-27, 2025.
About the Thomas F. Hulbert International Piano Competition
The Thomas F. Hulbert International Piano Competition has rapidly become one of the premier piano competitions in the Mid-Atlantic region, welcoming pianists ages 6-32 across multiple divisions. This year’s competition attracted 61 talented participants who advanced to the semi-finals at Earl Darialle Concert Hall, with the majority being Chinese residents in America, alongside strong representation from South Korea and Vietnam.
Competition Structure and Prize Awards
Young Artist Division (Ages 6-17)
The young artist competition featured four solo categories and one concerto category:
- Division 1: Ages 6-7
- Division 2: Ages 8-10
- Division 3: Ages 11-13
- Division 4: Ages 14-17
- Concerto Division: Ages 10-17
Professional Division (Ages 18-32)
Professional pianists competed in both Solo and Concerto rounds for the prestigious $10,000 Grand Prize, along with special awards including:
- Best Performance of a Work by Thomas F. Hulbert
- Audience Award
- Carnegie Hall performance rights
- Additional recognition awards
2025 Competition Winners
Grand Prize Winner – Professional Division
Alexander Agate (USA) won the coveted Grand Prize and the Thomas F. Hulbert Award, demonstrating exceptional artistry throughout the competition.
Young Artist Division Highlights
Mingze Li emerged as a double champion, winning first place in both Division 4 (ages 14-17) and the Concerto Division, showcasing remarkable versatility and technical prowess.
Complete Award Recipients
Division 2 (Ages 8-10):
- 1st Prize: Natalie Chen
- 2nd Prize: Lily Wang
- 3rd Prize (shared): Camille Li / Sylvie Chiu
Division 3 (Ages 11-13):
- 1st Prize: Minjae Jeon
- 2nd Prize: Yuzhe (Julian) Chen
- 3rd Prize: Karissa Lin
Division 4 (Ages 14-17):
- 1st Prize: Mingze Li
- 2nd Prize: Minna Fu
- 3rd Prize: Zack Lam
Professional Solo Division:
- Grand Prize: Alexander Agate (USA)
- 2nd Prize: Minjin Kim (South Korea)
- 3rd Prize: Xiaoru Wen (China)
The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX: The Official Competition Piano
The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano served as the official instrument for all competition rounds, providing competitors with world-class sound quality and responsiveness.
What Makes the SK-EX Special?
The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX represents the pinnacle of piano craftsmanship, with fewer than 20 handcrafted annually by Master Piano Artisans in Japan. Key features include:
- Millennium III Action: State-of-the-art ABS Carbon components provide faster repetition and exceptional control
- Temaki Bass Strings: Each bass string is individually hand-wound for rich character and superb depth
- Kigarashi-Aged Soundboard: Traditional Japanese aging process creates uniquely rich tonal quality
- Shiko Seion Hammers: Hand-pressed without heat for outstanding dynamic response
- Concert Agraffes: Individually machined from billet brass for maximum precision
Competitor’s Thoughts about the SK-EX:
Mingze Li, double first-place winner in the Young Artist division, praised the instrument: “The response was very sensitive and easy to play.”
Alexander Agate, Grand Prize winner, commended the piano for its “wonderful resonance,” noting he owns two Kawai pianos and has successfully competed on SK models at multiple international competitions, including the American International Paderewski Competition (2022, 2nd place) and the Dallas International Piano Competition (2022, 3rd place).
Jury Impressions of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX
The distinguished jury panel offered unanimous praise for the instrument:
Dr. Liana Harron (University of Maryland, Baltimore County), serving as a judge for the first time, described it as “a very rich and beautiful-sounding piano.”
Dr. Shirley Yoo (Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University), who has experience selecting pianos for competitions, remarked: “It was also an outstanding piano this year, as usual.”
Dr. Ming Ge (Xi’an Conservatory, China), who performed at the opening concert, noted that our instrument “resonates better” compared to other concert grands.
Prof. Bradford Gowen (University of Maryland, College Park), competition chairperson, praised the SK-EX as “an excellent piano.”
Why Piano Competitions Choose Shigeru Kawai
The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX has become a preferred choice at international piano competitions worldwide because it offers:
- Exceptional Dynamic Range: From the softest pianissimo to commanding fortissimo
- Tonal Versatility: Rich warmth and kaleidoscopic range of tonal colors
- Superior Touch Sensitivity: Responsive action that translates every nuance
- Remarkable Consistency: Maintains performance quality throughout extended use
- Professional-Grade Reliability: Built to withstand demanding competition schedules
Experience the Shigeru Kawai Difference
The 2025 Thomas F. Hulbert International Piano Competition demonstrated once again why the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX is trusted by competition organizers and beloved by performers worldwide. Its combination of meticulous handcraftsmanship, premium materials, and innovative engineering creates an instrument that brings out the best in every pianist.
To experience a Shigeru Kawai piano or learn more about our full line of concert, professional, and home instruments, visit https://shigerukawai.com or find your local authorized Kawai dealer.