Robert Kortgaard

Years of Residency: 1993-1998

Introduction

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan and grew up in Calgary, Alberta, Robert completed Bachelor and Master's degrees at the Juilliard School in New York. As a recipient of arts awards from the Canada Council, he furthered his musical studies in Italy and England. Also, Robert was awarded the Grand Prize at the Canadian Music Competition in 1979.

Robert has performed as a soloist with major Canadian orchestras and has given recitals throughout Canada and the United States, as well as in England, Finland, Portugal, Italy, Indonesia, the Czech Republic, China and Japan. He is a favourite collaborator of many of Canada’s finest instrumental soloists, vocalists and chamber groups. His performances are frequently heard on CBC Radio, and he has recorded for the Centrediscs, Marquis Classics/EMI, CBC Records, Teldec and ATMA Classique labels.

Robert is Artistic Director of the Indian River Festival on Prince Edward Island (recently nominated “Event of the Year” by the East Coast Music Awards), and the Leith Summer Music Festival in Ontario. He was musician-in-residence at the University of New Brunswick from l993 to l998 and has given piano masterclasses at universities and festivals in Canada, Indonesia, and China and served as an adjudicator at many national music competitions.

Robert has performed with sopranos Isabel Bayrakdarian, Sumi Jo, Jane Archibald, Adrianne Pieczonka, and Measha Brueggergosman, mezzo-soprano Susan Platts, violinist Joshua Bell, and prima ballerina Veronica Tennant on a production titled “Invitation to the Dance.” He has recorded French and German Cabaret programmes with mezzo-soprano Jean Stilwell for CBC Records. His CD with soprano Wendy Nielsen was nominated for both Juno and East Coast Music Awards. Robert tours with flutist Susan Hoeppner, cabaret artist Patricia O’Callaghan, baritone Brett Polegato, renowned music theatre actress/singer Rebecca Caine, and piano duo partner Peter Tiefenbach. A CD of the music of Olivier Messiaen, recorded with soprano Suzie LeBlanc, was released on the ATMA Classiques label and has received an Opus Award for best recording of 20th century music.

Residency at UNB

During his residency, Robert has given concerts, workshops, masterclasses and private lessons to the UNB/STU community and other local communities. He and Richard Hornsby (director of Centre for Musical Arts) founded the highly successful New Brunswick Summer Music Festival together in 1994. They were also often seen performing as a duo during Robert's residency at UNB.

Daily Gleaner - Strengthening Musical Ties, Goal Of Resident Musician