he Uruguayan born Enrique Graf is a multifaceted musician who has firmly established his reputation as one of the foremost classical pianists on the international stage. Although mainly known as a brilliant classical pianist, Graf is also a respected music educator and a master teacher. Currently residing in Charleston, SC, he is an Associate Professor and Artist in Residence at the College of Charleston and is the founder and Artistic Director of the International Piano Series at Charleston. Graf is an artist/lecturer at Carnegie Mellon, where on November 21 he performed the Gershwin "Concerto In F" with the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic, Juan Pablo Izquierdo conducting.

Graf came to international prominence when he won first prize at the prestigious William Kapell International Piano Competition in 1978. Since then, he has presented his diverse classical repertoire at such venerable venues as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Recital Hall, and the Kennedy Center, as well as performing with major orchestras in the United States, Eastern Europe, and South America. Four months later, her recitals at Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie Hall received critical acclaim.

Graf is perhaps best known for his expressive musical range and versatility. As comfortable and convincing with the depth of Beethoven as with the color and warmth in the music of the Romantics like Chopin and Liszt, he also makes Bach, Debussy, and Albeniz come alive. Graf has added to his reputation for innovation by introducing many audiences to contemporary music by composers such as Lee Hoiby, John Pozdro, Héctor Tosar, Jaurez le Marque Pons, and Eduardo Gilardoni.

Graf's creativity, versatility, and commitment to excellence have inspired some remarkable words of praise. A New York Times critic has said of Graf, "Whatever the young Uruguayan pianist chooses to play is invariably played well-in all respects a triumph." Paul Hume, critic emeritus, The Washington Post, was moved to write, "One of the brilliant pianists of our time." Upon hearing his Gershwin interpretations, a reviewer wrote, "He gave a transparent vision of the American soul of that time."

The praise for Graf's impressive talent extends to his recording career. His CD Enrique Graf Plays Bach has been lauded as "an end to the discussion of whether or not Bach should be played on the piano." The CD, Concertos I and II by Beethoven with Dennis Burhk and the Janacek Philharmonic was called "an ideal performance." The pianist's most recent CD is an all Poulenc disk that elicited the following response from respected musicologist Washington Roldán, "There is no version that can be compared to this."

Graf's impressive talents are perfectly complemented by the Yamaha CFIIIS he favors. "The most gratifying experience about being associated with Yamaha, aside from playing their magnificent instruments, is dealing with such sensitive, dedicated professionals-excellence is the common denominator," explains Graf.