A 13-year-old Indian expatriate in Dubai has achieved extraordinary success on the global classical music stage, securing top honors at two prestigious international piano competitions. Prapti Rajguru, a student at Melodica Music & Dance Academy, has made history as the first Indian pianist to win consecutive first prizes at both the Washington International Rachmaninoff Music Competition in New York and the Premio Bruno Mezzena Competition in Italy.
The young virtuoso’s remarkable journey began in July 2025 when she triumphed at the New York competition, earning the distinguished privilege of performing solo at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall. This achievement was followed by another spectacular victory in Montesilvano, Italy on November 30, where she outperformed international competitors in the prestigious European event.
Prapti’s accomplishments are particularly significant given her consistent record of podium finishes in UAE-based competitions, where she remains the only Indian national to achieve such sustained excellence. Her recent international successes mark a substantial advancement in her musical career, transitioning from regional recognition to global acclaim.
In an exclusive interview, Prapti shared her experiences performing on international stages for the first time: ‘Stepping onto a stage in completely new parts of the world came with considerable nerves, but winning in New York was especially meaningful as my first international competition. Performing at Carnegie Hall represented the realization of a dream shared by countless aspiring musicians.’
Regarding her European success, she added: ‘The Italian competition held particular significance as it marked my debut performance in Europe. Seeing the audience connect with my music made every hour of practice feel profoundly worthwhile.’
The young pianist’s achievements have fueled her ambition to become India’s first globally recognized concert pianist. Looking toward 2026, Prapti has set her sights on participating in Europe’s most prestigious events, including Switzerland’s Verbier Festival and various competitions in Germany, seeking to learn from world-leading performers and further develop her artistic capabilities.
Her success story exemplifies the growing presence of Indian classical musicians on the international stage and highlights Dubai’s emerging role as a nurturing ground for musical talent capable of competing at the highest global levels.