Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1968

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Matt Herskowitz is a Canadian classical pianist and composer who has gained international recognition for his unique blend of classical, jazz, and world music. Born in Montreal in 1972, Herskowitz began playing the piano at the age of four and showed an early aptitude for music. He studied at McGill University's Schulich School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in classical piano performance. Herskowitz's early career was marked by a series of impressive performances and awards. In 1997, he won the International Association for Jazz Education's prestigious Composition Contest, and in 1998, he was awarded the Prix d'Europe, a prestigious European music competition. He also won the Canadian Music Competition's Grand Prize in 1999, and was a finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition in 2001. Herskowitz's music is characterized by his ability to seamlessly blend different musical genres. He has been praised for his ability to combine classical music with jazz, world music, and other styles, creating a unique sound that is both innovative and accessible. His compositions often draw on his Jewish heritage, incorporating elements of klezmer and other traditional Jewish music. Herskowitz has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Lincoln Center. He has also performed at major festivals such as the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, and the Jerusalem Jazz Festival. In addition to his solo performances, Herskowitz has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including clarinetist David Krakauer, cellist Matt Haimovitz, and jazz saxophonist Mark Turner. One of Herskowitz's most notable performances was his 2005 concert at the Montreal Jazz Festival, where he performed his own compositions alongside the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. The concert was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish Herskowitz as one of the most innovative and exciting pianists of his generation. Herskowitz has also released several albums, including "Jerusalem Trilogy" (2003), "Matt Herskowitz Plays George Gershwin" (2006), and "Forget Me Not" (2013). His albums have received critical acclaim and have been praised for their originality and creativity. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Herskowitz is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at McGill University's Schulich School of Music, as well as at the University of Toronto and the University of Lethbridge. He has also conducted masterclasses and workshops around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians. Overall, Matt Herskowitz is a talented and innovative musician who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical and jazz music. His unique blend of different musical genres has earned him a devoted following and critical acclaim, and his performances and compositions continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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