About this Artist
A pianist of “unerring, warm-toned refinement, revealing judicious glimmers of power” ROBERT THIES (pronounced "Theece") is an artist renowned for his consummate musicianship and poetic temperament. He first captured worldwide attention in 1995 when he won the Gold Medal at the Second International Prokofiev Competition in St. Petersburg, Russia. With this victory, Thies became the only American pianist to win a Russian piano competition since Van Cliburn's triumph in Moscow in 1958.
Praised for his “thoughtful and intensely moving interpretations,” Thies enjoys a diverse career as an orchestral soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. He has already performed 40 concertos with orchestras all over the world. In one season alone he performed thirteen different concertos, garnering consistent critical acclaim. He has appeared with such orchestras as the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic, Liepāja Symphony (Latvia), Mexico City Philharmonic, the National Symphony of Mexico, Auckland Philharmonia (New Zealand), Louisville Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony, Virginia Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Pasadena Symphony, Des Moines Symphony, and the Naples Philharmonic. His concerts have been broadcast throughout the United States, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Bolivia, Hungary, Mexico, and New Zealand.
As a Steinway artist and recitalist, he has developed a reputation for his “genuine” interpretations of intriguing and delicately balanced programs. Under the sponsorship of Community Concerts, he completed a 40-city tour of the United States in 2001. In May 1999, he was honored with a special invitation to perform in the Hermitage Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia, built for Empress Catherine the Great. Two years earlier he worked with the late Polish composer Henryk Gorecki in the U.S. premiere of his Piano Sonata.
Thies is highly sought after as a recital partner and collaborator in both instrumental and vocal chamber music. He frequently shares the stage with and has recorded numerous works with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the LA Chamber Orchestra. Offstage he is in high demand for special recording projects by contemporary composers, and he often appears on soundtracks for film and television. Ten years ago Thies founded the Thies Consort, an ensemble that presents unique programs thematically bound by composer, cultural, or historical connections.
A dedicated teacher, Thies is in demand across the globe as a masterclass teacher, chamber music coach, lecturer, and adjudicator. He maintains a small private studio and serves on the faculty of the Colburn School. Visit robertthies.org.