PLATTSBURGH — The world is a wild pearl-producing oyster right now for pianist Clayton Stephenson following a string of prestigious competition wins. 2025 Sphinx Medal of Excellence. 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant.
2023 inaugural Nina Simone Piano Competition. 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. “I did the Van Cliburn Competition two years ago not fully prepared,” Stephenson said.
“It was kind of a test try and see where things were at for me musically. It turned out very well. From then on, I’ve been able to take this seriously.
” Stephenson’s life changed in every way after becoming the first Black artist to win the Van Cliburn. “I became a full-time concert pianist and was able to start touring and performing all over the world and do it for a living,” he said. The Nina Simone Competition is a competition only for African Americans.
“It was created by the Sphinx Venture Fund and Professor Awadagin Pratt (pianist/conductor/educator), who himself is also African American,” Stephenson said. “So that was quite inspiring to win because it kind of helps me connect with so many Black artists in the classical field. There is a lot of support and monetary value as well.
“The Avery Fisher Career Grant is not a competition. I think you’re just anonymously recommended. Every year, they select, I believe, it’s five musicians from across America.
They get $25,000 career grant from Avery Fisher. The Sphinx Medal of Excellence is for people who a.