Graffman, Gary

views updated

GRAFFMAN, GARY

GRAFFMAN, GARY (1928– ), U.S. pianist. Graffman was born in New York City, and studied at the Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, with Isabelle Vengerova (1936–46) and at Columbia University (1947–48). His debut as a soloist was with the Philadelphia Orchestra under *Ormandy (1947). Two years later he won the Leventritt Award, which marked the beginning of an important international career. Graffman, a typically brilliant virtuoso in the American style, made many recordings, in addition to numerous public appearances.

[Max Loppert]

More From encyclopedia.com