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Acclaimed for his rare combination of musical insight, creative inspiration and dazzling technique, the American pianist ROBERT HENRY is recognized internationally as a distinguished orchestral soloist, recitalist, accompanist and chamber musician.
Highlights of Robert Henry’s career include solo recital debuts at New York City’s Carnegie Hall, Washington, DC’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and London’s Wigmore Hall. He has been presented in concerts, masterclasses and lectures under the auspices of the American Pianists Association, Chopin Foundation of America, National Gallery of Art, The Phillips Collection, Strathmore Hall, the universities of Alabama, California-Berkeley, Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina, Arkansas State University and Georgia State University. In addition to his appearances throughout the United States, he has performed in Canada, the United Kingdom, The Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, Russia and China.
A renowned collaborator and chamber musician, Robert Henry has performed with eminent conductors Michael Palmer, Donald Runnicles, Robert Spano, Stefan Sanderling and Peter Stafford Wilson, cellist Shauna Rolston, soprano Mary Ann Hart, tenor Sergio Blasquez and the Pacifica Quartet. He has toured internationally with the Atlanta Boy Choir, under the direction of Fletcher Wolfe, and has accompanied the masterclasses of Jerry Hadley, Håkan Hagegård and Frederica von Stade. With Charae Krueger, he has presented the complete works for cello and piano by Beethoven. Mr. Henry is also a founding member of the Summit Piano Trio, joined by violinist Helen Kim and cellist Charae Krueger.
Robert Henry has enjoyed phenomenal success in important piano competitions, ultimately winning the Gold Medal in four international competitions in the 2001-2002 season alone (Missouri Southern, New Orleans, Washington, Alfredo Barilli). These prizes stand alongside fourteen additional first place awards received throughout his career, including the Clara Wells National Competition. On three occasions, juries have spontaneously created special prizes to honor his performances, including "Best Performance of a 20th Century Work” and “Best Performance of a Commissioned Work.”
Robert Henry earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland, with additional studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Glinka Conservatory in St. Petersburg, Russia. He studied closely with pianists Larissa Dedova, Sergei Dzevanovsky, Anne Koscielny, David Watkins, Sergei Babayan and André Watts.
As an educator and pedagogue, Robert Henry regularly presents lectures, masterclasses, residencies and youtAs an educator and pedagogue, Robert Henry regularly presents lectures, masterclasses, residencies and youth concerts. He has served as recitalist, clinician and juror for national, regional and state MTNA conventions and competitions, and operates an exclusive private studio in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2003, he was named Artist-in-Residence at the School of Music of Kennesaw State University, from which he received his undergraduate degree as well as a 2009 “Distinguished Alumni Award”; in 2017 he was appointed Director of Piano Studies. Dr. Henry is also Director of the famed Atlanta Boy Choir.
In response to Hurricane Katrina, Robert Henry coordinated and performed in the 2006 “Pianists for New Orleans” tour of the United States, raising over $100,000 for the stricken city. For his efforts, he was presented with the Distinguished Service Award of the Musical Arts Society of New Orleans.
Robert Henry's debut CD, "Twelve Nocturnes and a Waltz," was released on the Muuz label in 2010 to rave reviews. The recording is a collection of some of the world's best loved melodies, encompassing Nocturnes of Chopin, Fauré, Grieg, Liszt, among others, and including the world premiere of Alexei Stanchinsky's forgotten Nocturne from 1907. Also featured is Mr. Henry's own published transcription of guitarist Chet Atkins' Waltz for the Lonely. He was also winner of two 2010 Telly Awards for the documentary about his recording experience, “The Making of Twelve Nocturnes and a Waltz.” Mr. Henry is regularly heard locally and nationally on NPR's Atlanta Music Scene and Performance Today, and has been featured in American Music Teacher, Clavier and Gramophone.
Robert Henry released the world premiere recording of Brahms’ re-discovered Albumblatt, available as a single on iTunes. This work is included on his 2015 album “As the Songbird Sings: Music of Schubert and Brahms.” Other recent projects include a live recording of Brahms and Dvorák piano trios, a tour of China, a recording of Beethoven’s complete works for cello and piano with Charae Krueger and a recording of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I.
In the Spring of 2024, ACA Digital released Robert Henry’s final round-winning performance of Scarlatti, Schubert and Rachmaninoff from Atlanta’s 2002 Alfredo Barili International Piano Competition. This performance can be accessed from Apple, Spotfy, qobuz and YouTube. Of special note: Mr. Henry used his prize money to purchase the piano heard in this recording; it has been a treasured element of his home ever since.
Robert Henry and his wife, Melissa Ake, live in historic Marietta, Georgia. He is a Steinway Artist.
[CHAMBER ENSEMBLE REPERTOIRE FOLLOWS CONCERTO LIST]
BEETHOVEN
Concerto #1 in C, Op. 15
Concerto #2 in B-flat, Op. 19
Concerto #3 in c, Op. 37
Concerto #4 in G, Op. 58
Concerto #5 in E-flat, Op. 73 ("Emperor")
Concerto in C, Op. 56 ("Triple")
Fantasia in c, Op. 80 ("Choral Fantasy")
GERSHWIN
Concerto in F
Rhapsody in Blue
GRIEG
Concerto in a, Op. 16
MENDELSSOHN
Concerto #1 in g, Op. 25
MOZART
Concerto #7 in F for 3 Pianos, K. 242
Concerto #10 in E-flat for 2 Pianos, K. 365
Concerto #12 in A, K. 414
Concerto #20 in d, K. 466
Concerto #23 in A, K. 488
Concerto #24 in c, K. 491
Concerto #27 in B-flat, K. 595
PROKOFIEV
Concerto #3 in C, Op. 26
RACHMANINOFF
Concerto #2 in c, Op. 18
Concerto #3 in d, Op. 30
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43
RAVEL
Concerto in G
SAINT-SAËNS
Carnival of the Animals
Concerto #2 in g, Op. 22
TCHAIKOVSKY
Concerto #2 in G, Op. 44 (original version)
| ARENSKY | Piano Trio #1 in d, Op. 32 |
| BEETHOVEN | Piano Trio #6 in B-flat, Op. 97 (“Archduke”) Piano Trio #7 in B-flat, Op. 11 |
| BOULANGER, Lili | Deux pièces en trio (piano trio) |
| BRAHMS | Piano Trio #1 in b, Op. 8 Piano Trio #2 in C, Op. 87 Piano Trio #3 in c, Op. 101 |
| COOMAN, Carson | Lyric Trio for Trumpet, Cello & Piano, Op. 710 (2007) |
| DVORÁK | Piano Trio #4 in e, Op. 90 (“Dumky”) |
| HAYDN | Piano Trio #39 in G, Hob. XV:25 (“Gypsy”) |
| KIRCHNER, Theodor | Serenade in E for Piano Trio |
| MENDELSSOHN | Piano Trio #1 in D, Op. 49 Piano Trio #2 in c, Op. 66 |
| MOZART | Piano Trio in B-flat, K. 502 Piano Trio #5 in C, K. 548 |
| PIAZZOLLA | Las cuatro estaciones porteñas (piano trio) |
| SCHUBERT | Piano Trio #1 in B-flat, D. 898 Piano Trio #2 in E-flat, D. 929 |
| SCHUMANN, Clara | Piano Trio in g, Op. 17 |
| SCHUMANN, Robert | Piano Quartet in E-flat, Op. 47 |
| SHOSTAKOVICH | Piano Trio #2 in e, Op. 67 |
| SMETANA | Piano Trio in g, Op. 15 |
| TCHAIKOVSKY | Piano Trio in a, Op. 50 |
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"TWELVE NOCTURNES AND A WALTZ" CHOPIN: Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, #2 Muuz Records |
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"AS THE SONGBIRD SINGS: MUSIC OF SCHUBERT & BRAHMS" LASSEN/LISZT: Löse, Himmel, meine Seele Muuz Records |
Robert Henry is a remarkable talent with whom I recently had the pleasure of working. His approach to Beethoven was very clear, clean and articulate, with specific ideas that were unique, well thought-out and totally convincing. Robert was a delight to work with and led with conviction, yet exhibited a low-key attitude that invited discussion and resolution of any artistic question in a most genteel manner. It was a joy for me to make music with Robert Henry!
PETER STAFFORD WILSON, Music Director
Springfield Symphony Orchestra (OH)
Robert Henry proved himself an able young technician and a sensitive interpretive artist. He displayed command of the pyrotechnical aspects of the writing, yet managed to dig for the music imbedded in the score. Henry has a wonderful demeanor: unflappable, calm, assured - and artist of major import.
THE ALABAMA JOURNAL
Robert Henry has the dazzling ability to turn the percussion instrument into a sonorous orchestra. His colorful, virtuosic, sensitive playing proved that nothing surpasses finely executed Chopin.
THE WASHINGTON POST
'Twelve Nocturnes and a Waltz'
Robert Henry’s lyricism hits the mark.
Pianist Robert henry appears to be an artist whose strong points are sensitivity and lyricism, and this mostly Nocturnes programme certainly reveals these traits to strong advantage.
GRAMOPHONE
Robert Henry’s debut CD presents a collection of some of the best-known and beloved nocturnes, including two world-premiere recordings. Mr. Henry’s performances are finely nuanced and paced, and the Faure is especially appealing.
CLAVIER MAGAZINE
An impressive Wigmore Hall debut by Robert Henry. In his program of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, Debussy’s Images (Book I), and Chopin Etudes, Henry produced a gorgeous tone and immense control of voicing, texture and dynamics. Henry earned two well-deserved encores.
SEEN AND HEARD INTERNATIONAL
Robert Henry is an accomplished musician with a powerful technique. His pianism was exceedingly versatile, offering nimble trills, languorous moods, and fluid and elegant phrasing.
THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION
The soloist in the Mozart Concerto [#23 in A, at the Kennedy Center] was pianist Robert Henry. His phrasing was limpid and smooth, and his technique was flawless.
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
The highlight of the evening was Robert Henry’s performance of the unconventional Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2 in G [with Stefan Sanderling/Louisiana Philharmonic]. Though this was his debut performance of the work, his interpretation revealed a mature understanding of the work that made it difficult to believe that Henry began preparing the piece only two months ago. Henry excelled in each cadenza, his hands racing across the keyboard at blinding speed, executing dramatic chords and elaborate arpeggios with ease. Yet, he was a methodical player, and each note was crisp and sharp. At one point, Henry seemed to barely touch the keys, drawing gentle sounds that seemed to rise effortlessly from the piano. It was an evening of discovery.
THE TIMES-PICAYUNE (New Orleans, LA)
Robert Henry, a skilled, versatile musician with broad tastes that include contemporary music, presented diverse selections with finesse. Henry, a powerful pianist with a big sound and an imaginative range of interpretation, demonstrated exquisite control and articulation, yet when appropriate, he asserted himself with bravura.
THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR
The growing reputation of Robert Henry as a talented young pianist contributed to Carnegie Hall being substantially filled for his debut recital. The audience responded strongly and positively, rewarding him with a standing ovation at the end of the performance. The program was diverse and exciting, not to mention very technically demanding, and his intelligent and sensitive interpretation of each piece impressed and aroused the audience. A triumphant debut!
THE JOPLIN GLOBE (Missouri)
Robert Henry channels Chopin’s power and poetry in UAB Piano Series season closer. Henry played unpretentiously, preferring to let Chopin do all the talking, and his well-rounded menu of etudes, nocturnes, the four ballades, the 'Heroic' Polonaise and the Barcarolle, was by turns joyful, dreamy and uplifting. Two nocturnes revealed Henry’s softer and more lyrical side, while foreshadowing the well-proportioned, multi-voiced layering that would come to full fruition in the Barcarolle. Though composed in the ungainly key of F-sharp major, the Barcarolle is one of Chopin’s most exquisite creations. Henry’s focus on its shapely arc, progressing from the rocking, undulating opening minutes through carefully calculated up-and-down dynamic shifts and an inspired crescendo, was the concert’s highlight. The four ballades followed, each combining poetry and power. Henry, a meticulous technician, has a knack for bringing out exactly what Chopin wanted listeners to hear. Each emerging voice was given the right amount of emphasis on both macro and micro levels. The gentle repose of the Ballade in F major was startlingly interrupted by its middle section, the pianist’s strength and agility more in the spotlight in the Ballades in G minor and A-flat major.
THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS (Alabama)
Each successive event at this summer’s Mendocino Music Festival has brought an unfolding cornucopia of delights. Elements of the exceptional three previous classical programs coalesced into a magnificent and singular tour de force when pianist Robert Henry traversed the entire topography of the keyboard while offering humor, persona warmth, intimacy and musical perfection. It was an afternoon that braved every extremity of dynamics, technical demands and emotional landscapes. Evoking angels and demons at the keyboard, Mr. Henry also garnered the most rapturous response of the festival thus far: four standing ovations.
CLASSICAL SONOMA (California)
Although Brahms’s Op 118 Piano Pieces hardly lack for world-class recording’s Robert Henry’s generous and big-boned yet lyrically informed pianism enlivens these well-worn works. Henry precedes Op. 118 with Eduard Lassen’s Löse Himmel, meine Seele as ravishingly retooled by Franz Liszt, and brings far more urgency and sweep to the cascading climaxes than Howard and Tryon do in their respective recordings. Brahms’s minute-and-a-half, posthumously published Albumblatt is a minor masterpiece, and here possibly receives its finest recorded performance. The depth and range of Henry’s tone is reflected in the recorded ambience’s concert-hall realism. In short, a rewarding follow-up to this pianist’s stimulating 2010 ‘Twelve Nocturnes and a Waltz’ release.
GRAMOPHONE
| 10/12/2024 (7:30pm) | GEORGIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Timothy Verville, conductor Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue |
| 11/11/2024 (7:30pm) | FLORENCE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (SC) Dr. Terry Roberts, conductor Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F |
| 1/26/2025 (3pm) | THE CEDARS CLASSICAL CONCERT SERIES (NC) The Ballroom, The Cedars of Chapel Hill with Summit Piano Trio |
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Chopin: Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, #5 |
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Moszkowski: Etude in F, Op. 72, #6 |
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Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto #2 in G, Op. 44 (mvt. I: Andante non troppo) |
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Rachmaninoff: Moment Musicaux in b-flat, Op. 16, #1 |
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Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto #3 in d, Op. 30 (mvt. I: Allegro ma non tanto) |
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Documentary: The Making of “Twelve Nocturnes and a Waltz” |
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KSU College of the Arts: Faculty Spotlight on Robert Henry |
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Robert Henry’s YouTube Channel |