SANTA BARBARA —The Music Academy of the West continues its commitment to supporting its alumni as they advance their careers and proudly announces mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce as the recipient of the 2026 Alumni Performance Award, sponsored by Kandy Budgor and the Luria/Budgor Family Foundation. As part of the award, the Music Academy will present Pierce’s professional debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on April 15, 2027, featuring the world premiere of a Music Academy commission by Carlos Simon.