About the Artists

David Friend

David Friend, hailed by critics as a “brilliant and sensitive” pianist, recently performed the New York premiere of Lowell Liebermann’s Concerto No. 1. Mr. Friend has performed extensively as soloist and chamber musician, and maintains a repertoire that encompasses the full canon of the piano literature.

His concert schedule has recently included performances at the Kennedy Center, a performance/lecture on the piano music of John Cage in the Lives of the Piano series in New York, and concerts in the Outerbanks of North Carolina with cellist Angela Mills.

Mr. Friend is an ardent champion of the music of our time. He has performed contemporary works with the TACTUS Contemporary Ensemble, the Manhattan Percussion Ensemble, and members of Yes is a World, among others. He has had the opportunity to work with world-renowned composers, including Pulitzer Prize winner Charles Wuorinen, but equally relishes working with young composers and premiering their works.

Included in his diverse contemporary repertoire is Frederic Rzewski’s theatrical masterpiece, De Profundis. Mr. Friend also enjoys collaborating with other artists and recently staged a performance of John Cage’s Three Dances for Two Prepared Pianos incorporating dance and performance art for the opening concert of TACTUS’s season.

Mr. Friend is the winner of the 1st Annual Keys to the Future Young Artists Competition. He earned his Masters degree at the Manhattan School of Music.

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