Recognized worldwide for his exceptional artistry.

  • 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant Recipient

  • 2021 American Pianists Awards Laureate

  • 2019 Juilliard School Leo B. Ruiz Carnegie Hall Recital Prize

  • 2019 China International Music Competition (Jade Medal)

  • 2017 Maj Lind International Piano Competition Helsinki (1st Prize/Chamber Music Prize)

Soloist, chamber musician, and collaborator with top orchestras.

Educator, on- and off-stage.

Outreach and Education

From a young age, Melemed was already extremely active in his community, performing hundreds of concerts at schools, senior centers and nursing homes by the age of 10. In addition to interacting with frequent concert-goers and knowledgeable music lovers, he believes in the importance of promoting outreach with our youngest audiences, acting as a bridge between music class and concert hall.

His school visits go beyond an introduction to Bach and Chopin. Melemed's presentations derive from his own musical story and career path. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing one's passion and developing a strong work ethic (focus, consistency and perseverance). He further personalizes the experience by requiring students to use their math and geography knowledge to come closer to the music they are being introduced to in a meaningful way.

Audience Enrichment

Although Melemed believes that most of the music he performs speaks for itself, he will often give a brief spoken introduction to a newly commissioned work or to music that may be unfamiliar to his audience. His enlightening and sometimes even entertaining comments have received very positive feedback from grateful listeners who have benefited from the enhanced musical experience.

Mackenzie visits Naples, FL area schools with Grand Piano Series.

An inspiring, detail-oriented teacher with a discerning ear.

Melemed maintains a small virtual studio of students from around the world. Although he has only been teaching since 2020, he has already been invited to teach at the Sibelius Academy, Tanglewood BUTI, the University of Houston, and most recently at Lynn University.

He has been praised for his sharp ear, and is able to quickly pinpoint the needs of his students, maximizing productivity. Melemed focuses on several pillars of musicianship, including sound production, efficient technique, and an architectural plan for the piece.

“Mr. Melemed delved into the music with incisive detail and natural instincts - he didn’t waste a minute. ”
— Dr. Roberta Rust, Lynn University

An advocate for rare and unusual masterpieces.

  • Amy Beach: Ballade Op.9

    Bloch: Visions and Prophecies

    Brahms: Variations on a Theme of Schumann Op.9

    Janácek: Sonata 1.X.1905

    Jaakko Kuusisto (1974-2022): Jurmo Op.31

    Schumann: Impromptus on a Theme of Clara Schumann Op.5

  • Rebecca Clarke: Piano Trio

    Claude Debussy (arr. Sally Beamish): La Mer for piano trio

    Jaakko Kuusisto: Play II (piano quartet)

    Florence Price: Piano Quintet in A

    Juliusz Zarębski: Piano Quintet

  • Amy Beach: Piano Concerto

    Britten: Piano Concerto Op.13

    Hindemith: Piano Concerto

    Kabalevsky: Piano Concerto No.2 Op.23 (2024-25)

    Scriabin: Piano Concerto Op.20

    Szymanowski: Symphony No.4 “Symphonie Concertante”

    Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.2

A commissioner.

Melemed commissioned Piano Concerto No.3 from Avner Dorman during the pandemic, and the work has been premiered in Germany and Finland. Stay tuned for an upcoming commercial recording release, as well as performances in Canada and Poland. Funded with the help of Diana Glimm and grants from The Juilliard School and the American Pianists Association.

Latest Press

Symphony Tacoma/Sarah Ioannides

(Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini)

"Perhaps the most memorable part of the evening’s program was Mackenzie Melemed’s performance of Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. It was simply extraordinary. Melemed’s technique is dazzling, his tone rich and warm, and his musical savvy was on full display. Especially impressive was his volume control, and ability to contrast the power and intimacy of the piano. Melemed’s artistry was obvious from the first notes played, and kept the audience captivated throughout the performance."

"Melemed consistently projected a rich and warm tone from the piano."

"Melemed’s encore, the last movement of Weber’s Piano Sonata No. 1, was a delightful surprise. This piece showcased his versatility, transitioning from the grandeur of Rachmaninoff to the elegance of Weber with ease. The Weber is a flurry of dancing notes, in a perpetual motion rondo. Melemed played with virtuosity and seeming ease – as an endless string of notes flew out of the piano. Noticeably, orchestra members watched and smiled in awe. This crafty and gymnastic performance was a magical end to the concert’s first half."

Suburban Times

Pori Sinfonietta/Aliisa Neige Barrière

(Doreen Carwithen: Concerto for Piano and Strings)

“Carwithen's Piano Concerto succeeded in creating a distinctive, personal language. The Sinfonietta, led by Aliisa Neige Barrière and soloist Mackenzie Melemed, performed it with full credibility. The concerto features pianistic showmanship, lyrical passages, and plenty of ups and downs.

Melemed, in addition to possessing amazing pianistic skills, is a fantastic musician. The orchestra and audience can be grateful that a talent like his was secured as a soloist.

Although Melemed's brilliance as a pianist was evident at every turn, he made the listener pay attention above all to the content of the music he played. This was also heard in his two encores. It's very rare to witness a similar level of experience to what Melemed's playing in these encores brought about.”

Satakunnan Kansa

Tapiola Sinfonietta/Peltokoski

(Schumann: Piano Concerto)

“The romantic feeling and the gently soaring, softly radiant virtuosity were in perfect balance. Most importantly, the soloist and the orchestra listened to each other with a sensitive ear, in a very close and flexible interaction.”

Helsingin Sanomat

Rockport Music Recital

“Pianistic maturity twice his age…Partita No.1 was crisp, clean, animated, and above all, singing in tone…. Melemed’s crystal-clear pianism landed right on target at every moment.”

Boston Musical Intelligencer