Yefim Bronfman

Internationally known as one of the greatest virtuoso pianists of his time, Yefim Bronfman's repertoire includes works by Tchaikovsky, Bela Bartok, Brahms, Prokofiev and Mussorgsky. He has performed with several symphonies and orchestras worldwide and continues to perform under legendary conductors. His interests include orchestral as well as chamber music.
Born in Tashkent, Russia, Yefim Bronfman went to Israel in 1943 before eventually becoming an American citizen. He received his musical instruction at Juilliard under the guides of Rudolf Serkin, William Masselos and Leon Fleisher. At the age of 15 he made his professional debut with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. While touring with the orchestra, he had the chance to work with such well-known conductors as Leonard Bernstein and Zubin Mehta. Under the direction of such legendary conductors, Yefim Bronfman's career rose rapidly.
During the 80s Yefim Bronfman had made a run of debuts. In 1981 he performed in Washington at the Kennedy Center. He made his Chicago debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1984 and with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra in 1985. A big year for Yefim Bronfman was 1989. It was the year he became an American citizen and also debuted with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and at Carnegie Hall. Soon after he signed an exclusive contract with the Sony Classical label.
Under the Sony label, Yefim Bronfman has recorded the Prokofiev sonatas. With Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic he has recorded five piano concertos. Among the other musicians he has recorded with include Esa-Pekka Salonen and Gary Hoffman. He recorded the Mozart Violin Sonatas, the Brahms Violin Sonatas and the Bartok Violin Sonatas with friend and violinist Isaac Stern.
During the 90s Yefim Bronfman's appearances have been mainly in Europe except for a few performances in the United States and the former Soviet Union. Yefim Bronfman made his debut performance at the Salzburg Music Festival in 1994 and also performed at the Verbier Festival. Another first was his nationally-televised concert in Germany with Bayerische Rundfunk and Maazel in 1995. For the 1997-98 season Yefim Bronfman has schedules performances with the Stockholm Chamber Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Madrid Symphony Orchestra. In Germany he will perform with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic and the Termirkanov.
Yefim Bronfman's career has spanned two decades and included performances with numerous symphonies and orchestras worldwide. His musical genius has not gone unnoticed as he received the Avery Fisher Prize in 1991. His work continues to add to the classical repertoire. ~ Kim Summers, All Music Guide