The Gilmore Announces Winners of 2026 Larry J. Bell Young Jazz Artist Awards

ANNOUNCING THE GILMORE’S INAUGURAL 2026 LARRY J. BELL YOUNG JAZZ ARTIST AWARDEES: TYLER BULLOCK AND ESTEBAN CASTRO

Dr. Pierre van der Westhuizen, Executive and Artistic Director of The Gilmore, today announced Tyler Bullock and Esteban Castro as the recipients of The Gilmore’s inaugural 2026 Larry J. Bell Young Jazz Artist Awards, recognizing artistic excellence. Each winner receives a $25,000 stipend to further their musical career and educational development. Master pianist Bill Charlap honored Tyler and Esteban in a virtual award presentation, now streaming at TheGilmore.org and via The Gilmore’s YouTube channel.

“It has long been a dream of The Gilmore’s to support the next generation of exceptional jazz pianists. We are happy to celebrate and recognize these two bright young stars who are transforming the soundtrack of tomorrow. I hope this gift gives them the courage to create, be bold, and build bridges between jazz’s history and possibility.” - LARRY J. BELL, Past President of The Gilmore’s Board of Trustees

Founded along with The Gilmore’s inaugural Bell Jazz Artist Award (to be presented in October 2025), the Bell Young Jazz Artists Awards are bestowed every four years to spotlight the most promising of the new generation of pianists living in the United States, age 24 and younger. The Awards provide the artists an inimitable platform for embarking on a career and offering audiences and listeners a chance to discover emerging jazz artists. Candidates for the Award are nominated by music professionals from around the world. Those nominated are evaluated over an extended period of time for their pianism and musical promise by the Jazz Awards Artistic Advisory Committee. The process is carried out anonymously, and candidates are unaware of their own consideration.

Tyler and Esteban will perform solo recitals during the 2026 Gilmore Piano Festival, April 30 – May 10, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.