Murray Perahia

He is a permanent guest conductor of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, with whom he regularly tours the United States, Europe, Japan, and Southeast Asia, both as conductor and pianist. His 2015-2016 season includes a tour of Japan with the London Symphonic Orchestra, concerts with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields—in the dual role of conductor and pianist for a program of Beethoven piano concertos—as well as recitals in Europe and the United States.

Born in New York City, Murray Perahia began studying piano at the age of four before continuing his studies at Mannes College, where he graduated with degrees in conducting and composition. A regular at the Marlboro Festival, he collaborated with musicians such as Rudolf Serkin, Pablo Casals, and members of the Budapest Quartet. During this period, he also studied with Mieczyslaw Horszowski.

He then developed a strong friendship with Vladimir Horowitz, whose perspective and personality remained a constant source of inspiration for him. In 1972, Murray Perahia won the Leeds International Piano Competition, a success that led to recital engagements throughout Europe. In 1973, he gave his first concert at the Aldeburgh Festival, where he worked closely with Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, accompanying the latter in numerous Lieder recitals. He was co-artistic director of the festival from 1981 to 1989.

Murray Perahia's extensive discography has earned him numerous awards, including two Grammys—one for his recording of Chopin's Études Op. 10 and Op. 25 and the other for Bach's English Suites Nos. 1, 3, and 6—as well as numerous nominations. He has received the Gramophone Award several times and was the inaugural recipient of the Piano Award (2012). Sony has released a box set of his complete discography, including several concert recordings on DVD, paying tribute to one of the most respected pianists of his generation.

Murray Perahia is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from the Universities of Oxford, Leeds, Duke University, the Royal College of Music, and an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from the Weizmann Institute.

In 2004, he was awarded an honorary Knighthood of the British Empire (KBE) for his outstanding contribution to the cause of music.