Simon Ghraichy is a French-Lebanese pianist who has gained international recognition for his virtuosic performances and unique interpretations of classical music. Born on December 17, 1985, in Beirut, Lebanon, Ghraichy grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a pianist and his mother was a singer, and they both encouraged him to pursue a career in music from a young age. Ghraichy began playing the piano at the age of four and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied at the National Conservatory of Beirut and later at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris, where he received his diploma with honors. He also studied with renowned pianists such as Aldo Ciccolini, Maria João Pires, and Murray Perahia. Ghraichy's career as a professional pianist began in 2007 when he won the first prize at the International Piano Competition of Brest in France. This was followed by a series of successful performances in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In 2011, he was invited to perform at the prestigious Verbier Festival in Switzerland, where he received critical acclaim for his performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2. Since then, Ghraichy has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre National de France, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also collaborated with renowned conductors such as Daniel Barenboim, Zubin Mehta, and Myung-Whun Chung. One of Ghraichy's most notable performances was his debut at the Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2016. He performed a program of works by Chopin, Liszt, and Ravel, which received a standing ovation from the audience. The New York Times praised his "dazzling technique and musicality" and described him as "a pianist to watch." Ghraichy has also received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2012, he was awarded the "Prix des Muses" by the French Association of Music Critics for his album "Heritages," which features works by composers from the Middle East. He was also named a "Young Artist of the Year" by the International Classical Music Awards in 2017. In addition to his performances as a soloist, Ghraichy is also a passionate chamber musician. He has collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians, including violinist Renaud Capuçon and cellist Gautier Capuçon. He is also a member of the "Les Musiciens" ensemble, which performs a wide range of repertoire from Baroque to contemporary music. Ghraichy is known for his innovative approach to classical music, which combines his Lebanese heritage with his classical training. He often incorporates Middle Eastern rhythms and melodies into his performances, creating a unique and captivating sound. He has also commissioned new works from composers such as Karim Al-Zand and Zad Moultaka, which explore the intersection of Western and Middle Eastern music. In addition to his performing career, Ghraichy is also a dedicated educator. He has given masterclasses at institutions such as the Juilliard School in New York and the Royal Academy of Music in London. He is also a professor at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris, where he teaches piano and chamber music. Overall, Simon Ghraichy is a talented and versatile pianist who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. His innovative approach to music and his dedication to education have made him a respected figure in the industry.

More....