Arnaldo Cohen, Brazil

Arnaldo Cohen, an artist of diverse interests and talents, was born in Brazil and began his musical studies at the age of five, graduating from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro with an honors degree in piano and violin while also studying for an engineering degree. He became a professional violinist in the Rio de Janeiro Opera House Orchestra to earn a livelihood while continuing piano studies with Jacques Klein, a disciple of the legendary American pianist William Kapell. At the urging of Klein, Mr. Cohen pursued further training in Vienna with Bruno Seidlhofer and Dieter Weber.

After winning First Prize at the 1972 Busoni International Piano Competition, Mr. Cohen performed with orchestras such as the Cleveland and Philadephia Orchestras, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and many others. He has played under eminent conductors like Kurt Masur, Kurt Sanderling, Klaus Tennstedt, and Yehudi Menuhin, who described Cohen as ‘one of the greatest pianists I have ever heard.

In addition to his recital and orchestral appearances, Mr. Cohen has dedicated himself to the art of chamber music. He was a member of the prestigious Amadeus Trio for five years with violinist Norbert Brainin and cellist Martin Lovett.

Mr. Cohen is a Distinguished Professor of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and is the recipient of an honorary fellowship awarded by the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Until 2004, he held a professorship at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He is a frequent recording artist and has released several recordings on the labels Naxos, Vox, and BIS labels.

Professor Cohen has given numerous masterclasses in some of the most distinguished academic institutions worldwide and served as a jury member of many prestigious International Piano Competitions such as Chopin in Poland, Van Cliburn in the USA, and Busoni in Italy.