Michelle Cann
“a pianist of sterling artistry” -Gramophone
Lauded as “exquisite” by The Philadelphia Inquirer and “a pianist of sterling artistry” by Gramophone, Michelle Cann is one of the most sought-after pianists of her generation. Recent engagements include appearances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Her honors include the Sphinx Medal of Excellence and the Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award. In 2024, she was named the inaugural Christel DeHaan Artistic Partner of the American Pianists Association, responsible for artistic oversight of the American Pianists Awards.
Highlights of Cann’s 2024-25 season include appearances with the San Francisco Symphony, the Cincinnati Symphony, and London’s Philharmonia Orchestra. She performs solo and collaborative recitals on prominent series such as the 92nd Street Y, New York; Duke University; the Royal Conservatory of Music; and Shriver Hall Concert Series. She also performs a recital as the headline artist at the National Conference of the Music Teachers National Association.
Recognized as a leading interpreter of the piano music of Florence Price, Cann performed the New York City premiere of Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement with The Dream Unfinished Orchestra in 2016. Her recording of the concerto with the New York Youth Symphony won a Grammy Award in 2023 for Best Orchestral Performance. Her acclaimed debut solo album Revival, featuring music by Price and Margaret Bonds, was released in 2023.
Cann holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music and an Artist’s Diploma from the Curtis Institute of Music. She joined the Curtis piano faculty in 2020 as the inaugural Eleanor Sokoloff Chair in Piano Studies. She is also on the piano faculty of the Manhattan School of Music.
Listen now to Michelle Cann’s solo album Revival, Music of Price and Bonds, by scanning the QR code below using the camera on your mobile phone. More information at Curtis.edu/revival.
Download Full-length Biography
Eleanor Sokoloff Chair in Piano Studies
Ms. Cann is the inaugural Eleanor Sokoloff Chair in Piano Studies. The chair honors the memory of the school’s longest serving faculty member, the esteemed Eleanor Sokoloff, and is to be held in perpetuity only by an exceptionally gifted and forward-thinking female pianist.
Media
Images
High-resolution files are available to download from the full promotional kit
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Videos
Michelle Cann performs selections from Piano Concerto in One Movement by Florence Price with the Philadelphia Orchestra; Verizon Hall, February 2021
Ms. Cann performs Ballade No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 47 by Frédéric Chopin; Gould Rehearsal Hall, July 2020
Ms. Cann performs Piano Sonata in E minor by Florence Price as guest host for From the Top; Interlochen Center for the Arts, March 2019
Ms. Cann performs Ballade Op. 10, No. 2 by Johannes Brahms; February 2021
Ms. Cann teaches 10 short lessons on Chopin’s 3rd Ballade; Tonebase; March 2023
Ms. Cann is featured on PBS/Great Performances “Now Hear This”; April 2022
Find more performances of Ms. Cann on YouTube
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Discography
Revival, Music of Price & BondsMichelle Cann’s debut solo piano recording, Revival, celebrates the vast legacy of Florence Price and Margaret Bonds, whose extraordinary music was either neglected in their lifetimes or abandoned after their deaths.
“[Cann] possesses a pristine technical command of the keyboard, and is capable of transmitting in every note a surprising calm and beauty, today a rare gift.” –EarRelevant
Florence Price: Piano Concerto in One Movement with New York Youth Symphony
GRAMMY Award-winning Recording!
Our Stories: Contemporary Works by Black & Latinx Composers
Uncovered, Vol. 2: Florence B. Price — Catalyst Quartet & Michelle CannReleased in February 2022 on Azica Records, the album is the second issue of a multi-volume anthology highlighting chamber music works by historically important Black composers which aims to bring greater awareness and programming of their music. Vol. 2 explores the work of the African-American composer Florence B. Price, and includes four world premiere recordings. Already garnering critical acclaim, the release underlines the importance of Price’s output for chamber music and showcases all six of her surviving works for string quartet and piano quintet in “richly imagined performances” (Financial Times) by the Catalyst Quartet and Michelle Cann.
Press
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What the Critics are Saying
EarRelevant: November 15, 2024
“Michelle Cann delivered a captivating performance in a solo recital that showcased both technical brilliance and emotional depth.”
Cleveland Classical: October 24, 2024
“The highlight for me was the last work, the Poulenc Sextet, which was elevated if not utterly revealed by Michelle Cann at the piano. She is a wonderful chamber contributor, fitting inside textures or improving everything around her, but also — as Poulenc seems to have had in mind — serving as leader of the band. The ensemble was unanimous in conveying the music’s manic shifts, from raucous to melancholic, and the majesty of the final coda, which brought the audience to their feet.”
The Winnipeg Free Press: March 24, 2024
“Judging by the crowd of 1,575’s enthusiastic response, including two standing ovations and even an exuberant ‘I love you’ shouted from the house, it’s likely we’ll be seeing this dynamo grace this stage again.”
Observer: March 16, 2024
“…the Sarasota Orchestra struck gold by inviting pianist Michelle Cann to perform in its latest Masterworks concert. The measure of her talent, passion and artistry was overwhelming….This performance had everything we could want…”
Buffalo Rising: March 4, 2023
“Cann takes no prisoners at the keyboard. The audience fell in love with her performances…and it was obvious from her walk-on applause from the orchestra that the musicians had fallen in love with her, too.”
Chicago Classical Review: June 16, 2022
“Cann clearly knows [Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement] in her bones. In the final section, she tore through Price’s rollicking, ragtime-infused melodies with the red-hot glee of a honky-tonk pianist….Cann rode the orchestral waves like a proud ship on a powerful sea.”
Chicago Tribune: June 16, 2022
“In her mighty performance of Price’s concerto, Cann didn’t just surmount the acoustic challenges of the Pritzker Pavilion stage: She sailed over them with the grace and flexibility of a high jumper, her powerful fingerwork crisply enunciating her interplay with the orchestra. After a big-boned exposition, Cann toggled easily to the luscious, unaffected sincerity of the lyric middle section…to the heady exhilaration of a ragtime-like Allegretto.”
CVNC: February 28, 2022
“[Florence Price’s] Sonata in E minor is a unique fusion of the European Romantic ballade sound with Black spiritual foundations. It requires a dramatic cohesive approach, and Cann displayed an ease and familiarity that was astonishing. The entire piece was played with an improvisatory attitude, belying its underlying meticulous structure. It flowed effortlessly, like a grandparent passing on a family story, and was a personal favorite of the night.”
La Scena Musicale: November 1, 2021
“She’s technically fearless, with a bold attack and an enormous, rich sound, and she powered through Price’s numerous challenges with aplomb. But even more than Cann’s virtuosity, it was her joyous, lit-from-within energy that connected with the audience.”
Seen and Heard International: July 7, 2021
“Cann has taken a special interest in the music of Florence Price and clearly believes in it. Beyond that advocacy, Cann also happens to be a masterful player with a commanding presence.”
Philadelphia Inquirer: February 17, 2021
“Pianist Michelle Cann is exquisite…A more stirring and authoritative performance [of Florence Price’s Concerto in One Movement] may not exist. It sets a standard.”
Classical Voice North America: November 19, 2018
“Cann owns [Price’s Concerto in One Movement] now, and experiencing her interpretation of the captivating score was a highlight…The performance was stunning in its beauty.”
KnoxTNToday.com: May 18, 2018
“She has a fluid playing style that makes getting up and down the keyboard flow with ease and grace…In Cann’s performance…the audience was captivated.”
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Recent News
Michelle Cann and Tommy Mesa Release Album of Contemporary Works by Black and Latinx Composers
CalPerformances Artist Spotlight: 5 Questions with Groundbreaking Pianist Michelle Cann.
Ms. Cann appears on the Living the Classical Life.
Part 1: Overcoming self-doubt and finding a path in life.
Part 2: The life and music of Florence Price.
Classical Post: August 25, 2021
Sphinx Organization: July 26, 2021
6ABC News: February 22, 2021
Pianist Michelle Cann makes history playing music composed by Black pioneer
WHYY: February 20, 2021
‘Why have I never heard of this?’: Phila Orchestra revives America’s first Black woman composer
Philadelphia Inquirer: November 17, 2020
Curtis Institute of Music: November 17, 2020
WUOT: May 16, 2018
“Michelle Cann [is] a pianist of sterling artistry.” —Gramophone, March 2022
“Pianist Michelle Cann is exquisite…A more stirring and authoritative performance may not exist. It sets a standard.” —The Philadelphia Inquirer
“She’s technically fearless, with a bold attack and an enormous, rich sound…. But even more than Cann’s virtuosity, it was her joyous, lit-from-within energy that connected with the audience.” —La Scena Musicale
Repertoire
Repertoire is subject to change and must be approved by Michelle Cann. Contact the Curtis Institute of Music with any inquiries.
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Concertos
BEETHOVEN Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58 BEETHOVEN Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 (“Emperor”) CHOPIN Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 CHOPIN Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 LISZT Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, S. 124 GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue (can be paired with Price Piano Concerto in One Movement) GERSHWIN Second Rhapsody GRIEG Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 MACDOWELL Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 23 MENDELSSOHN Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25 MOZART Concerto No. 12 in A major, K. 414 MOZART Concerto No. 17 in G major, K. 414 MOZART Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467 MOZART Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488 POULENC Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra in D minor, FP 61* PRICE Concerto in One Movement (can be paired with Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin Second Rhapsody, Ravel Concerto in G major, or Strauss Burleske in D minor) RACHMANINOFF Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 RAVEL Concerto in G major (can be paired with Price Piano Concerto in One Movement) SAINT-SAËNS Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22 CLARA SCHUMANN Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 7 ROBERT SCHUMANN Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 STRAUSS Burleske in D minor, TrV 145 (can be paired with Price Piano Concerto in One Movement) TCHAIKOVSKY Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 *performed with Kimberly Cann -
Recitals
RECITAL PROGRAM I
The Women of Chicago’s Black Renaissance
Performance to include spoken commentary and storytelling about the fascinating lives and journeys of these trailblazing artists.
PRICE Fantasie nègre No. 1 PRICE Fantasie nègre No. 2 PRICE Fantasie nègre No. 4 BONDS Spiritual Suite JACKSON KING Four Seasonal Sketches HOLT Negro Dance Op. 25, No. 1 SCOTT Improvisation on Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C-sharp minor SCOTT Improvisation on Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 Program to include intermission. Program order to be confirmed.
RECITAL PROGRAM II
GINASTERA Piano Sonata No. 1 THOMPSON My Dungeon Shook, Three American Preludes RAVEL La Valse —intermission— GULLA Ballade for Piano Note: new work written for Michelle Cann GRANT STILL A Deserted Plantation Spiritual Young Missy Dance LISZT Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S. 514 Alternate option for the second half of the program (keeping the same first half above):
PRICE Sonata in E minor LISZT Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S. 514
Collaborations
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Cann Duo
Ms. Cann regularly performs duo recitals with her sister, pianist Kimberly Cann. Together their “sheer verve and evident passion is something to behold” (Mountain Xpress).
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Imani Winds
The twice Grammy-nominated Imani Winds teams up with Michelle Cann to perform a varied program spanning from Poulenc’s beloved Sextet for Piano and Winds to celebrated new works.
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Juilliard String Quartet
Available in the 2025-26 season, Michelle Cann and the Juilliard String Quartet join forces to perform Schumann’s majestic Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44. The Juilliard String Quartet is celebrated for its unparalleled artistry and enduring vigor. Together with Cann, “a pianist of sterling artistry” (Gramophone), the ensemble is sure to deliver electrifying performances.
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Tommy Mesa
Cuban-American cellist Tommy Mesa, First Prize winner of the 2016 Sphinx Competition, joins forces with Michelle Cann to offer varied and compelling duo recital programs. The duo’s debut album, comprised of works of young composers of color commissioned by the Sphinx Organization, is anticipated in fall 2023. -
Karen Slack
Renowned for her artistic versatility, charisma, and entrepreneurial endeavors, soprano Karen Slack performs recitals with Michelle Cann, including songs by Florence Price and Margaret Bonds.
Residencies
Collegiate
Engaging with communities and working with students is central to Ms. Cann’s mission as a performing artist and educator. She has experience designing and leading in-school interactive performances and individual instruction curated by students’ age, skill level, and learning objectives. Her goal is to meet students where they are and to use music as a means of connection.
Ms. Cann offers a variety of instruction for collegiate level music students, including:
- Piano master classes
- Chamber music coaching
- Workshops on developing and leading effective community engagement activities
- Lecture-demonstrations on Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, and other topics
Elementary through High School
Ms. Cann offers age-appropriate interactive programs encouraging active participation with a focus on performance and learning objectives. She also offers piano master classes for advanced high school students.
Contact
General Management
Andrew Lane
Vice President, Touring and Artist Management
Executive Director, Curtis Artist Management
(215) 717-3124
andrew.lane@curtis.edu
Booking Representatives (North America)
Julie Gaitens
Booking Representative
(215) 717-3146
julie.gaitens@curtis.edu
Brayton Arvin
Artist Manager and Booking Representative
(215) 875-4204
brayton.arvin@curtis.edu
Booking Representative (Europe)
Julika Castro
Booking Representative, Europe
+49 (0)178-514 43 26
julika.castro@curtis.edu
Engagement Advancing (Curtis Artist Management)
Catelyn Cohen
Manager of Artist Services
(215) 717-3129
catelyn.cohen@curtis.edu