American pianist Lambert Orkis, who was born in 1946 in Philadelphia, began playing piano at the age of four; he was only twelve when he made his debut as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Today his artistic focus includes his work as a chamber musician, interpretation of contemporary works, and performance on historical instruments. Since 1988 Orkis has performed as piano partner with violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, appearing around the world and making prize-winning recordings. For eleven years he also accompanied the legendary Mstislav Rostropovich in recital; during his period as principal conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, Rostropovich created the position of principal keyboard player for him. Lambert Orkis additionally appears in concert with cellists Lynn Harrell, Anner Bylsma, and Han-Na Chang, with violinist Julian Rachlin, and with such ensembles as the Emerson and American String Quartets. As a founding member of the Kennedy Center Chamber Players, he performs a wide-ranging repertoire written for a variety of chamber combinations. Such composers as George Crumb, Richard Wernick, and James Primrosch have written new solo pieces for Lambert Orkis. His engagement with contemporary music is complemented by his interest in historically informed practice. Orkis has performed works by Beethoven and Schubert on a period keyboard and piano pieces by Louis Moreau Gottschalk on a Chickering concert grand built in 1865. Lambert Orkis is Professor of Piano at the Esther Boyer College of Music of Temple University in Philadelphia, which granted him its Award for Creative Achievement.
LUCERNE FESTIVAL (IMF) debut on August 23, 1994 in a recital with Anne-Sophie Mutter that included works by Stravinsky, Beethoven, Currier, and Schumann.
May 2010