Edward Avakian is an 11-year-old musician from California with a deep love for music. He began studying piano at age 7 and cello at 8, quickly demonstrating remarkable focus, discipline, and musical maturity. Although Edward is also a competitive water polo player and highly advanced academically, piano remains his true passion and artistic calling.
Recently, Edward was selected as an Honorable Mention Winner in the Junior Category (Ages 11–14) of the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition 2026, recognizing his dedication and artistic growth. He will be playing at Carnegie Hall on May 2026.
Edward’s favorite composer is Frédéric Chopin. His repertoire includes Waltz in A minor, Waltz in B minor, Étude in F minor, Étude in C minor, and Polonaise in G minor. He continues to challenge himself with demanding work, striving to deepen his musical expression and technical refinement. Deeply committed to his artistic development, Edward has also begun composing his own music.
Watch Edward Ara Avakian perform Chopin Étude No.14 in F Minor, Op.25, No.2 by Frédéric Chopin on the piano for the 2026 Classical Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.