Orli Shaham

A consummate musician recognized for her grace, subtlety and brilliance, acclaimed pianist Orli Shaham has earned praise from critics around the world for her expressive artistry and exceptional musicianship. The New York Times has called her a “brilliant pianist,” The Chicago Tribune hailed her as “a first-rate Mozartean,” and The Guardian described her performance at the BBC Proms as “perfection.” Renowned for bringing both technical mastery and profound musical insight to the stage, Shaham is celebrated as one of the leading pianists of her generation.

An internationally sought-after soloist, recitalist and chamber musician, Shaham has appeared with many of the world’s foremost orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra and BBC Symphony Orchestra. Equally at home in recital, she has performed in major concert halls and festivals across North America, Europe and Asia, captivating audiences with programs that combine intellectual depth, warmth and virtuosity.

The afternoon’s program opens with a curated selection of works by Clara Schumann, celebrating the artistry and enduring legacy of one of the nineteenth century’s most influential pianists and composers, followed by a captivating journey through Romantic masterworks and contemporary piano literature. Frédéric Chopin’s luminous Berceuse, intimate Nocturne in B Major and exuberant Ballade No. 3 showcase the composer’s unparalleled gift for lyricism, elegance and poetic expression. Contrasting these beloved masterpieces are John Adams’ mesmerizing China Gates, with its shimmering minimalist textures, and Sarah Kirkland Snider’s evocative The Currents, a contemporary work of striking emotional depth and atmospheric beauty. Together, these selections create a compelling exploration of the piano’s expressive possibilities, weaving together tradition and innovation in a recital of remarkable color, imagination and artistry.

Beyond the concert stage, Shaham is a dedicated educator and advocate for music engagement. She serves on the faculty of The Juilliard School, is co-host and creative for the nationally syndicated radio program From the Top and founded the interactive children’s concert series Orli Shaham’s Bach Yard. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of today’s most distinguished pianists in an evening of extraordinary artistry and musical expression.

This performance is made possible by the Laura N. Dabinett and Russell B. McKelway World of the Piano Fund, established in 2015 in commemoration of the wedding anniversary of Laura N. Dabinett and Russell B. McKelway.