Jonathan Biss to Join Curtis Institute Piano Faculty

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The Curtis Institute of Music announces the appointment of Jonathan Biss to its piano faculty, beginning with the 2011–12 school year. A Curtis alumnus who is highly regarded for his artistry and deeply felt interpretations, Mr. Biss has won international recognition for his orchestral, recital, and chamber music performances on four continents and for his award-winning recordings.

“At Curtis, we have enjoyed a long tradition of distinguished and active performers teaching our students,” said Curtis President Roberto Díaz. “We are thrilled that Mr. Biss, at the height of his performing career, is so committed to sharing his artistry with our students.” Mr. Biss will begin teaching at Curtis in Fall 2011, and along with the rest of the school’s distinguished piano faculty, will hear auditions in Spring 2011. Applications for the 2011–12 school year are due December 15 and more information is available at www.curtis.edu/admissions.

“I'm tremendously honored to be joining the faculty at Curtis,” said Mr. Biss. “My years there as a student played a huge role in shaping me as a musician and a person, and I have no doubt that in coming back as a teacher, I will learn just as much. And to be joining a faculty which includes so many of my teachers and mentors is humbling indeed.”

Mr. Biss graduated from Curtis in 2001, having already launched a successful performing career with a New York recital debut and New York Philharmonic debut. In the intervening years he has repeatedly returned to Curtis for residencies and master classes. “Mr. Biss is a superb artist whose insights have been especially enlightening not only to our piano students, but also to the chamber groups he has coached,” noted Curtis Vice President and Dean John Mangan. Mr. Biss will continue to work with student chamber groups in his new position.

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