Gabriela Montero

Piano Faculty, Conservatory

Jonathan and Linn Epstein Artist-in-Residence

Introduction

A celebrated outlier in today's classical music world, Gabriela Montero revives the multi-disciplined spirit of the Classical and Romantic virtuosi, excelling on the world stage as a concert pianist, composer, improviser and creative social commentator. Imagination, spontaneity and musical instinct lie at the heart of her work as she strives to find both meaning on stage and purpose in her role as an artist in society. Through mentorship and teaching, Gabriela encourages students to discover their personal voice not only in the music itself, but as citizen musicians in the wider world.

Education

Royal Academy of Music, London, with Hamish Milne

Teaching Experience

Founder and mentor, Gabriela Montero Piano Lab, presented by global conservatory OAcademy, 2022-present

Engagements, Distinctions, and Accolades

Engagements

New York Philharmonic
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Philadelphia Orchestra
Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
Cleveland Orchestra
Houston Symphony Orchestra
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Gewandhaus Orchestra
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Zurich Chamber Orchestra
Carnegie Hall
Kennedy Center
Wigmore Hall
Queen Elizabeth Hall
BBC Proms
Berlin Philharmonie
Vienna Konzerthaus
Vienna Musikverein
Elbphilharmonie Hamburg
Paris Philharmonie
Klavierfestival Ruhr
Rheingau Festival
Progetto Martha Argerich, Lugano
Salzburg Festival

Distinctions

International Chopin Competition 1995, Bronze Medal
Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music, London
EMI/Warner Classics recording artist
Orchid Classics recording artist
Winner, two Echo Awards
Winner, Latin Grammy Award
Nominee, Grammy Award
No.1 on Billboard Charts
Winner, Rockefeller Award
Winner, 4th International Beethoven Prize
Winner, Heidelbergerfrüling Prize
Recognition for Outstanding Work, Human Rights Foundation
Honorary Consul, Amnesty International
Speaker and Cultural Leader, World Economic Forum, Davos
Speaker and Cultural Leader, Women of the World, South Bank Center
Dean's Lecturer, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University
Performer, Inauguration of US President Barack Obama, 2009
First female soloist in her own piano concerto at Carnegie Hall
Artist-in-Residence, Gabriela Montero at Prager concert series

Accolades

“Montero’s playing had everything: crackling rhythmic brio, subtle shadings, steely power…soulful lyricism…unsentimental expressivity.” New York Times

“Some musicians are born with such astounding, God-given talent, that you feel lucky to witness it. That was the case when pianist Gabriela Montero performed Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra - and then followed it up with a spectacular improvisation... Cincinnati Enquirer

“…And that comes through in her ‘Latin’ Concerto. It’s a work at turns invigorating, haunting, sorrowful and thrilling. Montero’s gripping performance with conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto and the Minnesota Orchestra made a case that she might become the classical scene’s next great composer/pianist.” Star Tribune

"The piano recital by Gabriela Montero at the Vienna Konzerthaus was like a visit from outer space." Der Standard

"We should not be mistaken, there are not many artists about whom it can truly be said that their talent borders on genius... This was a recital of a unique, profoundly authentic, and gifted artist... ConcertoNet

“Montero is an astonishing performer, showing a seamless unity of what is physical and musical. She has a gift shared with only the greatest keyboard artists. She doesn‟t play the piano, she becomes it.” The Register-Guard

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