Pianist Adam Marks is garnering critical acclaim for his innovative and impassioned performances. A staunch supporter of contemporary music, he has developed his series of Curated Concerts™ in 2004 to make even the most complicated works accessible to audiences of all types. As a recitalist and speaker, he has performed throughout the country, as well as in France and The Netherlands. Recent collaborations include appearances with soprano Jennifer Beattie, Chicago's Fifth House Ensemble, New World Symphony, and performance artist Connie Beckley. His performance of David Rakowski's Absofunki nlutely, which Adam premiered in 2005, won the prestigious Chevillon-Bonnaud Prize for the composer at the 7th Orleans International Piano Competition in Orleans, France. Adam's proclivity for American music also led to performances at Carnegie's Zankel and Weill Halls, performing works by Aaron Copland under the baton and tutelage of Michael Tilson Thomas.
In 2008, pianist Adam Marks made history as the first American laureate of the prestigious Orleans Competition for music composed since 1900 in Orleans, France. A frequent recitalist, Adam has performed extensively throughout the United States, as well as Europe. An ambassador of contemporary music, Marks created Curated Concerts–informal and interactive programs–to contextualize music of all styles. As a soloist, Adam has appeared with the Manchester Symphony Orchestra, the National Repertory Orchestra, and the Brandeis-Wellesley Symphony Orchestra. Other notable venues include the Salle Cortot in Paris, Zankel and Weill Halls at Carnegie, the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, Chicago Cultural Center, and the New World Symphony Stage. As a teacher, Marks has presented lectures and masterclasses at Yale, Juilliard, Mannes, University of Northern Iowa, Carthage College, and Manchester College.
Collaboration is a crucial element in Marks' career. As the pianist and Director of Artistic Programming for Chicago's Fifth House Ensemble, he designs and presents programs for concert stages, cultural institutions, and educational facilities alike. Other endeavors include performances with downtown artist Connie Beckley, video artist Jenny Perlin, and many others.
Mr. Marks holds degrees from Brandeis University and the Manhattan School of Music. He is currently a candidate for the Ph.D at New York University. His teachers include Anthony De Mare, Sara Davis Buechner, Donn-Alexandre Feder, Evan Hirsch, and Lois Banke. Adam Marks is a Yamaha Artist.
