Acclaimed for his dramatic and athletic performances, Dr. Ian Gindes is a gifted all American pianist. Known for playing some of the most challenging and inspiring piano repertoire composed, his ability to tackle intense passages and yet have a sensitive singing tone has captivated audiences while drawing the attention of well-known classical musicians.
Born and raised in Southern California, Ian Gindes' talent was first recognized by his father, Andrew, who had as a young man studied piano with Ania Dorfmann and Michel Piastro. Nurturing his son's talent, he encouraged Ian to study with Bonnie Farrer, who worked with the late Rosina Lhévinne. Under Ms. Farrer's tutelage, Ian showed promise and prodigious talent as a concert pianist by attracting hundreds in performances of Chopin's works. Later, Ian went on to study with Errol Haun, formerly of the University of Northern Colorado where he obtained a Master's of Music in piano performance. In 2011, he obtained the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance from the University of Illinois, under the guidance of Ian Hobson.
Gindes has received other opportunities and prizes in recent years. Honored for his talents and contributions as a performing artist, he was awarded a CD collection in his name at the University of Colorado at Boulder Library. This collection is one of the most extensive compendia of piano recordings in the United States. In 2004, Ian performed at the American Liszt Society Symposium for various scholars and musicians. This was a substantial move in Gindes' career. Recently, Dr. Gindes competed and won first prize in the 2011 Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition, making his Weill Recital Hall debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Ian has combined his other work with his talents as well. He serves as a commissioned officer in the United States Army National Guard, and has given highly publicized performances to raise funds for families of soldiers and victims afflicted by terrorism and war. This spirit has extended into his repertoire. Gindes is known for playing Aaron Copland's works, including the Our Town Suite, a wistfully sad piece that denotes early American life in New England. His recent performances have included the following works: Maurice Ravel's Gaspard de la nuit, Schumann's Piano Sonata in g minor, Beethoven's Piano Sonata in A-Flat major, Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, Mozart's Piano Sonata K. 310, Bach's Partita in B-Flat Major, the Schumann Piano Concerto in a minor, the Beethoven Emperor Piano Concerto, and recently has prepared Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto. While Ian enjoys playing music from all periods and genres, he specializes in American composers and composers of the Romantic period through the 20th century whose music contain strong emotional content.