Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

December 25, 1959 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Jon Kimura Parker is a renowned classical pianist who has captivated audiences around the world with his virtuosic performances and passionate interpretations of some of the most beloved works in the classical repertoire. Born on December 25, 1959, in Vancouver, Canada, Parker began playing the piano at the age of four and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Parker's parents, Keiko and Fumio Parker, were both musicians themselves, and they recognized their son's potential early on. They encouraged him to pursue his passion for music and provided him with the resources and support he needed to develop his skills. Parker studied with some of the most respected piano teachers in Canada, including Edward Parker (no relation), Robin Wood, and Marek Jablonski. As a young pianist, Parker quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent and began winning competitions and awards. In 1984, he won the prestigious Leeds International Piano Competition, which launched his career as a soloist. He has since performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Parker's repertoire is vast and includes works by some of the greatest composers in history, such as Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Franz Liszt, a composer whose virtuosic piano works require exceptional technical skill and musical sensitivity. Parker's performances of Liszt's music have been praised for their brilliance, passion, and depth of feeling. In addition to his solo performances, Parker is also a dedicated chamber musician and collaborates regularly with other musicians. He has performed with many of the world's leading string quartets, including the Tokyo String Quartet and the Emerson String Quartet. He is also a member of the Montrose Trio, a group that includes violinist Martin Beaver and cellist Clive Greensmith. Throughout his career, Parker has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1999, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honors, for his achievements as a pianist and his contributions to the arts. He has also been awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the Canada Council's Virginia Parker Prize, and the Royal Philharmonic Society's Instrumentalist Award. Parker is also a dedicated educator and has taught at some of the most prestigious music schools in the world, including the Juilliard School, the New England Conservatory, and the Glenn Gould School. He is currently a professor of piano at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston, Texas. In addition to his work as a performer and educator, Parker is also a passionate advocate for the arts and has worked to promote music education and appreciation in communities around the world. He has served as the artistic director of the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival in Washington State and has worked with organizations such as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada to promote music education and outreach. Despite his many accomplishments, Parker remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and teach with the same passion and commitment that has made him one of the most respected and beloved pianists of his generation.

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