Eli Kalman

Piano
Piano Faculty

Eli Kalman, a distinguished pianist hailing from Romania, has captivated audiences across the globe with his enchanting performances. With a remarkable career spanning multiple continents including Romania, Israel, Germany, Hungary, Japan, the United States, and Canada, his musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

A fervent advocate of chamber music, Eli's artistry has graced prestigious venues like Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, the acclaimed "San Francisco Performances," the esteemed "Tuesday Evening Concert Series" in Virginia, and the Sylvia Adalman Artist Recital Series at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore. Notable appearances also include the Emmanuel Music-Schumann Chamber Series in Boston, the Connoisseur Series at Wichita State University, and the Myra Hess Series in Chicago. Noteworthy solo and chamber performances feature collaborations with esteemed orchestras like Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra, the Water City Chamber Orchestra, along with captivating live broadcasts and recitals with distinguished cellist Parry Karp on "Sunday Afternoon Live from the Chazen" on WPR and WFMT Chicago.

Beyond the stage, Eli's artistry has been immortalized on recordings that encompass a diverse range of musical expressions. These include compelling works for solo piano and cello, highlighting the compositions of Erwin Junger (2001) and Schumann's evocative Sonatas for Violin and Piano, performed alongside violinist Rose Mary Harbison (2006). Notably, his collaboration with cellist Amit Peled from the Peabody Institute resulted in the acclaimed CD "The Jewish Soul" (Centaur 2009). Eli's solo endeavor, the CD "Homo Ludens" (Centaur 2016), is a celebration of contemporary piano compositions by the Russian American composer-pianist Lera Auerbach. Further demonstrating his versatility, his recording "Nebbie" (Centaur 2018) in collaboration with violinist Jameson Cooper delves into Italian chamber music, while his latest project "Advenio" (Centaur 2020) showcases new music for horn, violin, and piano. The Advenio Trio, featuring Eli Kalman on piano alongside hornist Bruce Atwell and violinist Yuliya Smead, has solidified its place as a resident ensemble at UW Oshkosh.

Beyond his performances, Dr. Kalman's scholarly pursuits are equally impressive. He has embarked on a journey to resurrect lesser-known treasures of string and piano repertoire, delving into the compositions of Romanian pianist Dinu Lipatti and Romanian-Israeli composer Erwin Junger. Additionally, his research has unveiled unpublished chamber works by the prolific Ottorino Respighi. Notably, his dedication led to the world premiere publication of Respighi's inaugural Sonata for violin and piano (1897), a milestone achieved through A-R Editions/Special Publications in 2011. In recognition of his remarkable contributions to Respighi's chamber music's research, recording, and performance, he was invited to perform in Bologna, Italy, by the International Museum and Library of Music of Bologna.

Dr. Kalman's commitment to musical education is also profound. Prior to his esteemed position at UW-Oshkosh since 2006, he held pivotal roles on the piano faculty at the Center of Arts, Mizra in Israel, and the Lyceum of Arts, Baia Mare in Romania. Through his teaching and mentorship, he continues to shape the next generation of pianists, instilling in them his passion for music and his profound understanding of its nuances.

Learn more about the FREDRIC & JANICE YOURA PIANO PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP.

 
ADVENIO – New Trios for Horn, Violin and Piano by Atwell, Auerbach and Sargon – The Advenio Trio

Bruce Atwell, horn; Yuliya Smead, violin; Eli Kalman, piano

Centaur Records 2019

NEBBIE – Music for Violin and Piano by Ottorino Respighi - Jameson Cooper and Eli Kalman

Centaur Records 2018

HOMO LUDENS - Piano Music of Lera Auerbach - Eli Kalman, piano

Centaur Records 2015

Ottorino Respighi: Sonata in D Minor for Violin and Piano (1897) – Score and Violin Part

World Premier Publication edited by Eli Kalman on A-R Editions/Special Publications, 2011

“The Jewish Soul” - Amit Peled, cello & Eli Kalman, piano

Centaur Records 2009

Token Creek Chamber Music Festival - Sonatas for Piano and Violin of Robert Schumann

Rosemary Harbison, violin; Eli Kalman, piano, 2006