By: Ali Wong
In a world where prodigious talent often emerges from the most unexpected corners, the story of Alessandro Piccichè, a young piano virtuoso from Sicily, Italy, is both inspiring and extraordinary. Born on April 12, 2013, into a family of accomplished musicians, Alessandro’s journey to international recognition began not in a grand concert hall, but in the nurturing environment of his own home.
From the earliest days of his childhood, music was woven into the fabric of Alessandro’s life. His parents, Domenico Piccichè and Nina Gallo, are both accomplished pianists and educators who recognized and cultivated their son’s innate musicality from the age of four. Under their watchful guidance, Alessandro took his first steps at the piano, demonstrating not only technical skill but a rare emotional depth even as a young child. Later, his studies continued at the Palermo Conservatory, where he refined his technique under the mentorship of Antonio Sottile.
Photo Courtesy: David Pierre
Despite his tender age, Alessandro’s list of achievements reads like that of a seasoned concert pianist. He has participated in masterclasses with some of the most respected names in classical piano—Michele Campanella, Roberto Cappello, Vincenzo Balzani, and Ziyu Liu—absorbing wisdom and technique far beyond his years.
But it is in competition that Alessandro’s remarkable gift has been most publicly recognized. By the age of 12, he had won multiple national and international piano competitions, an extraordinary feat that places him among the most celebrated young pianists of his generation. His accolades include first prizes from globally renowned events such as the New York Classical Music Competition, Los Angeles Concert Star International Competition, American International Music Competition (Cleveland), New Jersey Sinfonietta Showcase (USA–Germany), and Asia InMusic International Competition (China), among many others.
His reach extends across continents, with premier honors from competitions in Austria, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Romania, Greece, and of course, his native Italy, where he has triumphed in numerous prestigious festivals and events. These include the Piano Talents International Competition in Milan and the International Competitions of Albenga, Cefalù, Matera, and Catania, just to name a few.
Alessandro gave his first public concert at the age of 7, performing for the Rotary International Club. Since then, he has appeared in concerts and festivals across Italy, including performances for cultural associations such as the “Amici della Musica” in Palermo and Termini Imerese, and at international festivals like Onde Musicali (Lake Iseo) and PianoFortissimo (Lake Maggiore). Recognizing his excellence at such a young age, the Kiwanis International Club honored him as a “very young excellence,” a testament not just to his skill, but to the promise of what lies ahead.
Photo Courtesy: David Pierre
One of the defining moments of Alessandro’s early career came in 2024, when he emerged as a Top Winner of the Ibla Grand Prize International Competition, a distinction that launched his first U.S. tour. Between April and May 2024, Alessandro performed in Virginia, Arkansas, Texas, and New York, making his much-anticipated debut at New York University and, in a landmark achievement, at the legendary Carnegie Hall. He returned to Carnegie Hall later that year after winning the New York Concert Star International Competition, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting young pianists on the global stage.
The momentum has only continued into 2025. This year saw his debuts at Leiszhalle in Hamburg (Germany), Eutherpe Hall in León (Spain), the Curtis Theatre in Los Angeles, and a memorable orchestral performance at the Puccini Hall of the Milan Conservatory. Each performance is met with critical acclaim and growing international attention, as Alessandro continues to charm audiences with his artistry, sensitivity, and unmistakable passion for music.
Looking ahead, Alessandro’s calendar remains full of exciting new engagements. He is set to debut at the Tempietto in Rome, the Società dei Concerti in Milan, and the Athens Concert Hall in Greece—venues that have hosted some of the outstanding classical musicians in history. With every new stage, Alessandro reaffirms his commitment not only to the instrument but to the lifelong pursuit of musical excellence.
What sets Alessandro apart is not only his impeccable technique or his extraordinary list of achievements, but the maturity and soulfulness with which he plays. There is an emotional intelligence in his interpretations that resonates deeply with audiences and belies his age. Each performance tells a story, drawing listeners into a world shaped not by years of life experience, but by a profound musical intuition rarely seen in even the most seasoned professionals.
As he continues to grow, both as an artist and a young man, one thing is clear: Alessandro Piccichè is not simply a child prodigy—he is a musician of rare depth and a rising star in the world of classical music. The global stage is now his playground, and the future of classical piano has a bright and brilliant name to watch.
