Pratyay Rao is an award-winning pianist celebrated for his expressive Romantic interpretations and stylistic range across Baroque, Classical, Ragtime, and contemporary works. He has earned top prizes in international competitions, including 1st and 2nd place at the Charleston International Piano Competition and the American Fine Arts Festival, and 3rd prize in the American Protégé. A finalist in the New Trier Concerto Competition, Pratyay has also been recognized by Music Fest Perugia, where he will perform in solo recitals and with orchestra in Perugia, Italy.
Pratyay’s musical journey extends beyond the competition stage—he has performed in school plays and chamber ensembles, and his upcoming season features a series of recitals and international appearances. Known for his sensitivity, discipline, and stage presence, Pratyay continues to explore the depth and emotional power of piano performance while inspiring audiences through his evolving artistry.
You can find Pratyay’s 19th Century Music Competition 2024 piano performance here.
You can find Pratyay’s 2024 Summer Music Competition piano performance here.
Watch Pratyay Venkatesh Rao perform Prelude in C Minor Op. 23 No. 7 by Sergei Rachmaninoff on the piano for the 2025 Virtuoso Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.