Robert Kulek – Piano
Photo: Bernd Noelle
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung wrote: ”Kulek has the technique and the musicality at his disposal to coax from his piano the most subtle nuances of tone; this is what makes him such an ideal accompanist.”
Sueddeutsche Zeitung wrote: “Robert Kulek, who presented the ultimate in quickness of reaction, assuredness of expression… poetic touch and an abundance of nuances.”
The Guardian wrote: ”Kulek’s playing was remarkable in its intensity.”
The Irish Independent wrote: ”Kulek traces Grieg’s rippling phrases with amazing clarity, etc… Music of Ravel echo through Kulek’s stunning pianism…. It is magnificent.”
The Vancouver Sun wrote: “The spotlight shifted to Kulek in Beethoven, in which he demonstrated the piercing intelligence behind his chiseled playing, and an overwhelming sense of purpose and determination.”
The Miami Herald wrote: “Robert Kulek’s pianism was extraordinary…. Kulek is a consummate musician. His subtly calibrated musicality served the composers nobly.”
Recognised as one of the leading collaborative pianists, Robert Kulek performs with some of the foremost musicians of today, including Kyung-Wha Chung, Gil Shaham, Nikolaj Znaider, Julia Fischer, Arabella Steinbacher,Vivianne Hagner, Daniel Müller-Schott and Matt Haimovitz.
Mr Kulek has received high critical acclaim for his work in Europe, North America and the Far East in venues such as The Philharmonie in Berlin, Philharmonie in Cologne, Herkulessaal in Munich, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Musikverein in Vienna, Mozarteum in Salzburg, Tonhalle in Zurich, Victoria Hall in Geneva, Cité de la Musique and Musée du Louvre in Paris, Auditorium de Lyon, Teatro San Carlo in Naples, Teatro della Pergola in Florence, Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa, Tivoli in Kopenhagen, Carnegie Hall in New York, Herbst Theatre in San Francisco, Chan Center in Vancouver, Seoul Arts Center in Korea and Casals and Ohji Halls in Tokyo.
His festival appearances included Schwetzingen, Mecklenburg and Rheingau in Germany, Luzern in Switzerland, Colmar and St. Denis in France, Ravinia in Chicago, and Vancouver Chamber Music Festival.
He has recorded for EMI, Orfeo and Tudor labels. A French Sonata programme recorded with cellist Daniel Müller-Schott was nominated for the Edison Award and was selected as the CD of the Month in The Strad and BBC Music Magazine. A recording of Sonatas by Poulenc, Fauré and Ravel with violinist Arabella Steinbacher was released in June 2008 on the Orfeo label.
Robert Kulek was born in Riga, Latvia and emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of 9.
He began his musical education in Mannes College of Music with Elena Leonova, continuing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London with Joan Havill and Yale University with Boris Berman and Claude Frank.
Mr Kulek now lives in the Netherlands.