Since performing publicly for the first time at the ripe age of five, internationally renowned pianist Gabriela Montero has dazzled listeners and critics with her one-of-a-kind style and improvisational skills. "She has a gift shared with only the greatest keyboard artists," according to The Register Guard. "She doesn't play the piano, she becomes it."
Indeed, her gift has led to appearances on 60 Minutes, a Grammy award nomination, and the honor of performing at the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Sprinkled in between have been high profile performances with the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonic and several critically acclaimed album releases.
Montero's improvisational skills separate her from today's pack of classical pianists. "I connect to my audience in a completely unique way – and they connect with me," she says. "Because improvisation is such a huge part of who I am, it is the most natural and spontaneous way I can express myself."
Audiences are often left in awe after hearing their own musical suggestions parlayed into a breathtaking improvised melody right on stage. It's that kind of audience participation which adds to the long list of qualities that define a pianist who has made a career out of breaking the mold.
Montero's EMI-produced Bach and Beyond album introduced her to a United States audience that embraced her wholeheartedly, driving the album to its status as a Billboard bestseller in 2006. Her 2008 album, Baroque received 5-star reviews from authorities that included BBC Music Magazine, and her October 2010 album, Solatino, is on pace to continue her trend of stellar album releases.
