For more than three decades, Jean-Yves Thibaudet has performed worldwide, recorded more than 50 albums, and built a reputation as one of today’s finest pianists. From the start of his career, he delighted in music beyond the standard repertoire, from jazz to opera, which he transcribed to play on the piano. His many globe-spanning friendships have led to spontaneous and fruitful collaborations in film, fashion, and visual art.
In 2018–19 he renews many longstanding musical partnerships, touring with Midori and in Europe with Lisa Batiashvili and Gautier Capuçon, and performing chamber music with brothers Renaud and Gautier Capuçon. With Gautier he also premieres Richard Dubugnon’s Eros Athanatos, for cello and piano. With The Cleveland Orchestra and Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Thibaudet plays another piece that he introduced to the world: James MacMillan’s Piano Concerto No. 3. One of the premiere interpreters of Bernstein’s The Age of Anxiety, Mr. Thibaudet performs the piece around the world.
Mr. Thibaudet expresses his passion for education and fostering musical talent as the first-ever artist-in-residence at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, where he makes his home. The school has announced the Jean-Yves Thibaudet Scholarships to provide aid for Music Academy students, whom Mr. Thibaudet will select for the merit-based awards, regardless of their instrument.
Jean-Yves Thibaudet’s recordings have received two Grammy nominations, Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik, Diapason d’Or, Choc du Monde de la Musique, Edison Prize, and Gramophone awards. He was the soloist on the Oscar-winning and critically acclaimed films Atonement,Pride and Prejudice, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, and Wakefield. His concert wardrobe is designed by Vivienne Westwood. In 2010 the Hollywood Bowl honored him for his musical achievements by inducting him into its Hall of Fame. Previously a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Mr. Thibaudet was awarded the title Officier by the French Ministry of Culture in 2012.