bio
Pianist JACOB GREENBERG’s work as a soloist and collaborative performer shows his far-reaching interests in music old and new. Mr. Greenberg’s recent concerto appearances include Messiaen’s Sept Haïkaï at Oberlin College and the Bartók Concerto #1 at Northwestern University, and his solo recitals in the current season have paired works of Ives and Beethoven. He has worked with composers as diverse as George Crumb, Harrison Birtwistle, and Tan Dun, and he frequently plays his own works in recital. A committed educator, he was an assistant professor of music for four years at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Jacob Greenberg was a longtime principal keyboardist of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, with whom he also played extensively as a chamber musician. As an orchestral player, he has also appeared with the Israel Philharmonic and the New World Symphony. Other ensemble performances include Symphony Center’s MusicNOW series (with members of the Chicago Symphony), the Fulcrum Point New Music Project, and the Contemporary Chamber Players of the University of Chicago. He has been a member of the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) since 2002, and he is also the group's Director of Educational Programs.
Mr. Greenberg was a recipient of fellowships to the Tanglewood and Aspen music festivals. He records frequently with the Bridge and Centaur labels, and his performances have been heard on WQXR New York, WFMT Chicago and Radio Netherlands. He is a graduate of Oberlin College, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in music and religion, and he completed his master's and doctoral degrees at Northwestern University, where he studied with Ursula Oppens.
Mr. Greenberg collaborated with soprano Tony Arnold in her first-prize appearance at the International Gaudeamus Interpreters Competition in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He received the special award for Outstanding Accompanist at the Louise D. McMahon International Music Competition, again in collaboration with Ms. Arnold. Their recording of Elliott Carter’s Of Challenge and of Love was released in 2003 to great acclaim on Bridge Records, and recent releases include a Stefan Wolpe song recital on Bridge.
Highlights of the 2007-2008 season include concerts and recordings with Tony Arnold and baritone Alexander Hurd, recitals with flutist Claire Chase, and appearances at Columbia University's Miller Theatre with ICE. Mr. Greenberg curates the Music at Close Range concert series in Red Hook, Brooklyn. In summer 2008, he will be a guest artist at the International Summer Courses in Darmstadt, Germany, performing works of Gyorgy Kurtag.
