Biography

Jean-Yves Thibaudet has earned a reputation as one of the world’s finest pianists. He is especially known for his diverse interests including numerous collaborations in film, fashion, and visual art. A prolific recording artist, he appears on more than 70 albums and six film scores. He is a devoted educator, and is the first artist in residence at the Colburn School, which awards several scholarships in his name. He made his San Francisco Symphony debut in October 1994.

Thibaudet appears as soloist this season in Gershwin’s Concerto in F, Saint-Saëns’s Piano Concerto No. 5, Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto, Ravel’s Concerto in G, Debussy’s Fantaisie, and Messiaen’s Turangalîla Symphonie. He also continues his multi-season focus on Debussy’s Préludes, performing both books in recitals throughout Europe. With Michael Feinstein, he continues the acclaimed program Two Pianos: Who Could Ask for Anything More?, presenting works by Gershwin, Rodgers, and others.

Thibaudet records exclusively for Decca. His most recent solo album, Carte Blanche, features a collection of deeply personal solo piano pieces. Other highlights include the Grammy-nominated recordings of Ravel’s complete solo piano works and Saint-Saëns’s piano concertos No. 2 and No. 5. He is the soloist on Wes Anderson’s film The French Dispatch, and his playing can also be heard in Pride and Prejudice, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, Wakefield, and the Oscar-winning Atonement. His concert wardrobe is designed by Vivienne Westwood.