Born and raised in New York, Sarah Nazari currently studies Piano Performance at The Juilliard School’s Preparatory Division under Mr. Ernest Barretta, with practice coach Mr. Baron Fenwick. She is a proud recipient of a full-tuition scholarship at Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program.
Before entering the Juilliard program, Sarah received professional piano instruction from Ms. Tomoko Sasaki, Mr. Jon Klibonoff, and Ms. Elena Rossman.
Sarah often performs in recitals, masterclasses, competitions, and community service events. She enjoys not only solo performances, but also collaborates with other musicians in chamber ensembles, musical pit orchestras, and concerto performances. She continues to grow as a community-oriented pianist, performing extensively in a variety of settings.
In recent years, Sarah has received numerous top prizes and recognitions from established organizations such as the Chopin International Piano Competition in Hartford, CT, the American Association for Development of the Gifted and Talented (AADGT), and the Vienna International Music Festival, among others.
In July 2024, after four years of formal piano studies, Sarah made her concerto debut in Perugia, Italy, performing J.S. Bach’s Keyboard Concerto No. 7. That summer, she also received the Gold Award in the chamber music competition at the Vienna International Music Festival, performing Beethoven’s Spring Sonata with a fellow violinist.
In March 2025, Sarah took part in the Passion of Music Festival in Japan, hosted by AADGT, a major showcase for young classical musicians. She performed Mendelssohn’s Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 14, and Haydn’s Piano Sonata Hob. XVI:50 in Tokyo and Yokohama.
During the 2025–2026 season, Sarah’s chamber music group from her high school became a laureate at the prestigious Young Musicians Concert at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in New York City, performing Schumann’s Piano Quintet, Op. 44.
In May 2026, Sarah collaborated with the MAP Orchestra, performing Márquez’s Danzón No. 2 at Alice Tully Hall in New York City in a sold-out public concert.
In summer 2026, Sarah will participate in the Philadelphia International Music Festival in Pennsylvania, USA, as well as the International Piano Festival in Busko-Zdrój, Poland.
Sarah has had opportunities to perform at notable venues including Carnegie Hall (New York), the Cité de la musique (Paris), Suntory Hall (Tokyo), and the Musikverein (Vienna). She also enjoys performing in more intimate settings, where she can connect closely with audiences and foster a sense of community.
Sarah aspires to become a professional musician and is committed to preserving the rich tradition of classical music.
F. Chopin, Polonaise No. 6 in A-flat major, Op. 53
J. S. Bach, The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, Prelude and Fugue No. 3 in C-sharp major, BWV 848
L. van Beethoven, Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2, No. 1, IV. Prestissimo
