Gary Graffman

Gary Graffman (born 14 October 1928) is an American pianist specializing in classical and symphonic works.

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14 October - 1928 - American - Pianist

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He was born in New York City to Russian parents. He is considered one of the greatest living pianists and has served as the President of the renowned Curtis Institute of Music since 1995. He is stepping down from this position during the 2005-06 season, but will continue as a faculty member at Curtis teaching piano.

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New York City - Pianists - Curtis Institute of Music

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Having started piano at age 3, Graffman entered the Curtis Institute of Music at age 7. After graduating from the Institute 10 years later, Gary Graffman made his professional solo debut under the direction of conductor Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra. By the age of 20 Gary Graffman had made a name for himself as a classical pianist both in America and world-wide. In 1948 he won the prestigious Leventritt Award.

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Eugene Ormandy - Philadelphia Orchestra - Leventritt Award

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From his debut, Gary Graffman continued a successful piano career. He furthered his piano studies with Vladimir Horowitz and Rudolph Serkin. During this time he played with many symphonies and orchestras and performed concerts and recitals including at the Marlboro Music Festival. Over the next three decades he toured and recorded extensively, performing solo with orchestras around the globe.

Related Topics:
Vladimir Horowitz - Rudolph Serkin - Marlboro Music Festival

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Then in 1979 he suffered an injury to his right hand. This setback encouraged him to pursue other interests such as writing, photography and Oriental Art. In 1980 he joined the staff at the Curtis Institute of Music where his career had begun.

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In 1993 he performed the world premiere of Ned Rorem's Piano Concerto No. 4, written specifically for the left hand. Many subsequent works written specifically for Graffman have been premiered by him over the last 10 years.

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Through his longstanding service and devotion to music, he has received honorary doctorate degrees and was honored by the cities of Philadelphia and New York and also received the Governor's Arts Award by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Graffman remains active as a teacher and coach of piano and chamber music. His notable students include the young piano virtuoso, Lang Lang.

Related Topics:
Philadelphia - Pennsylvania - Chamber music - Lang Lang

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