Lycée Student Lucas Wins Prize at the 2026 American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition

For his very first piano competition, Lucas didn't just place. He earned 3rd Prize at the 2026 American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, one of the most prestigious young musician competitions in the country. As a winner, he was invited to perform at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Not bad for a first try.

"Over the years, I've watched him develop not only as a student but as a thoughtful, disciplined individual, consistently bringing focus and determination to everything he pursues." - Magali SANSCARTIER, Music and Orchestra Teacher at Lycée

Lucas has been part of the Lycée's music program since his primary school years in Sausalito, and those who have followed his journey won't be entirely surprised. He entered the Pre-College Program at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music at age ten as the youngest composition student ever admitted, before switching his major to piano performance in 2023. Last year, he was one of just four Lycée students selected to travel to Lisbon, Portugal, to perform with the Orchestre des Lycées Français du Monde, an experience that was even noted in the Carnegie Hall competition program.

His piano teacher at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Annamarie McCarthy, has been central to his development outside the Lycée, and the two have clearly made a great team.

Bravo, Lucas. We're proud of you, and we have a feeling this won't be the last time we're saying that.

Keywords: Carnegie Hall, American Protégé International Piano Competition, Lycée Français, young pianist, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Orchestre des Lycées Français du Monde