Ralph Votapek · piano

Pianist Ralph Votapek’s early triumphs — as winner of the prestigious Naumburg Award and gold Medalist in the first Van Cliburn International Piano Competition — were an auspicious prelude to an even more remarkable career. Votapek’s compelling keyboard style embodies all that is best in twentieth-century piano traditions, combining fire, poetry and tonal warmth with electrifying rhythmic flair.

Mr. Votapek has performed extensively with major American orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony, Boston Pops, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, National Symphony, and others. With many concerto appearances abroad, Mr. Votapek has made a special commitment to Latin America, where he has toured every other year for more than 42 years. He has performed repeatedly at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Guest appearances with the Juilliard, Fine Arts, New World and Chester String Quartets are highlights of his extensive chamber music experience. Mr. Votapek has recently returned from his 24th tour of South Africa.

Mr. Votapek studied at Northwestern University, the Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School, where his principal teachers were Rosina Lhevinne and Robert Goldsand. He has served as Artist-in-Residence at Michigan State University where he is currently Professor Emeritus of Piano. Mr. Votapek is frequently joined by his wife Albertine in two piano and four hand recitals.