Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Stephen Ralls is a renowned Canadian classical pianist and accompanist, known for his exceptional skills in collaborative piano and his contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 17, 1955, in Toronto, Canada, Ralls grew up in a family of musicians, which played a significant role in shaping his musical career. Ralls began his musical journey at a young age, studying piano with his mother, who was a piano teacher. He later went on to study at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1977. He continued his studies at the University of Toronto, where he earned his Master of Music degree in 1979. After completing his studies, Ralls began his career as a collaborative pianist, working with various singers and instrumentalists. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skills and was soon in demand as an accompanist. In 1981, he formed a duo with his partner, Bruce Ubukata, and together they began performing as a piano duo. Ralls and Ubukata quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional performances, and they were soon invited to perform at various prestigious venues around the world. They made their debut at the Wigmore Hall in London in 1983, and since then, they have performed at numerous venues, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Lincoln Center in New York, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. In addition to his work as a pianist, Ralls is also a respected music educator. He has taught at various institutions, including the University of Toronto, the Royal Conservatory of Music, and the Banff Centre for the Arts. He has also served as a guest lecturer and masterclass teacher at various universities and music schools around the world. Throughout his career, Ralls has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1991, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors, for his contributions to Canadian music. He has also received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Toronto Arts Award for Music. One of the highlights of Ralls' career was his collaboration with the Canadian soprano, Isabel Bayrakdarian. The duo performed together for over a decade, and their performances were highly acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. They recorded several albums together, including "Joyous Light," which won a Juno Award for Best Classical Album in 2004. Another notable collaboration was with the Canadian baritone, Gerald Finley. Ralls and Finley performed together for over 20 years, and their performances were highly praised for their musicality and sensitivity. They recorded several albums together, including "Schubert: Winterreise," which won a Gramophone Award for Best Vocal Recording in 1998. Ralls has also been involved in various musical organizations throughout his career. He is a founding member of the Aldeburgh Connection, a Toronto-based organization that promotes the art of song. He has also served as the artistic director of the Prince Edward County Music Festival and the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival. In recent years, Ralls has focused on his work as a solo pianist, performing recitals around the world. He has also continued his work as an accompanist, collaborating with various singers and instrumentalists.

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