Michael Mizrahi, Piano

Biography

Hailed for his "splendid powers of concentration" (The Washington Post) and performances that are "exciting to watch and hear" (The San Diego Union-Tribune), Michael Mizrahi has won acclaim for his compelling performances and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages. He has appeared as concerto soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician across the United States and in Europe.

Mr. Mizrahi has performed as soloist with the Houston Symphony, National Symphony, Haddonfield Symphony, and Prince Georges Philharmonic Orchestra, performing in venues such as the Kimmel Center, the Kennedy Center, and Houston's Jones Hall. In 2005 Mizrahi appeared as soloist with the Curtis Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Leon Fleisher. Mizrahi has given solo recitals on Houston's Channing Recital Series, and has performed chamber music in Carnegie Hall, Boston's Gardner Museum and at many chamber music festivals, including Music@Menlo, the Ravinia Festival, and the Yellow Barn Music Festival. Mizrahi is a founding member of the Moet Trio, which is in residence at the New England Conservatory this season.

In January 2007 Mizrahi was selected to join The Academy: A Program of Carnegie Hall, the Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute (ACJW). Under the auspices of this program, Mizrahi teaches music at a New York City public school one and-a-half days a week, participates in workshops with leading classical musicians and entrepreneurs, and appears with other Academy members in chamber music concerts at Carnegie Hall and throughout New York City.

A winner of Astral Artistic Services' 2005 National auditions, Mizrahi joined Astral's artist roster that year. Through Astral, Michael has appeared as concerto soloist and recitalist in performances in the Philadelphia and New York City areas. Astral has also supported Mizrahi's efforts in community outreach and music education, facilitating his interactive performances and musical instruction at public schools and retirement homes.

Mizrahi is a founding member of NOW Ensemble, a chamber group devoted to music by emerging composers. With recent performances on both coasts and a series of residencies at Yale, Princeton, and the University of Virginia, NOW Ensemble is quickly establishing itself as a major new force in the contemporary music scene. NOW Ensemble released its debut CD in Fall 2007.

During the 2007-2008 season, Mizrahi continues as an ACJW fellow. In addition, he will give a recital at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C.

Michael Mizrahi began piano studies at the age of four. He received a B.A. in music and religion from the University of Virginia and a Masters degree in piano performance from the Yale School of Music. He is currently a Doctoral candidate at Yale, where he studies with Claude Frank. His former teachers include Robert Wyatt, Eric Himy, Mary Kathleen Ernst, and George Francois.