Through elegant musicality and an insightful approach to contemporary and established repertoire, Jean-Yves Thibaudet has earned a reputation as one of the world’s finest pianists. He is especially known for his diverse interests beyond the classical world, including numerous collaborations in film, fashion, and visual art. He is the first-ever Artist-in-Residence at the Colburn School, which awards several scholarships in his name.
This season, Thibaudet joins orchestras around the world in works including Gershwin’s Concerto in F, Saint-Saëns’s Piano Concerto No. 5, Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G, and Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2. As Artist-in-Residence at Chicago Symphony, Thibaudet will play several concerts including a performance of Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto, a trio program with violinist Lisa Batiashvili and cellist Gautier Capuçon, and, with Michael Feinstein, the acclaimed project Two Pianos: Who Could Ask for Anything More?. In addition to his orchestral dates, Thibaudet embarks on a fall trio tour with Batiashvili and Capuçon and a May tour with Itzhak Perlman and Friends. He also continues his multi-season focus on Debussy’s Préludes, performing both books in their entirety at recitals around the world.
A prolific recording artist, Thibaudet has appeared on more than 70 albums and six film scores; his extensive catalog has received two Grammy nominations, two ECHO Awards, the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik, the Diapason d’Or, the CHOC du Monde de la Musique, the Edison Prize, and Gramophone awards. Recent recordings include Khachaturian, a celebration of the Armenian composer including his Piano Concerto and several solo piano pieces; and Gershwin Rhapsody, a selection of Gershwin pieces recorded with Michael Feinstein, including four newly-discovered ones. He is the soloist on Dario Marianelli’s recently reissued score for Pride & Prejudice, which was certified Gold by the RIAA in 2025; his playing can also be head on Marianelli’s Academy Award-winning score for Atonement, Alexandre Desplat’s scores for The French Dispatch and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, and Aaron Zigman’s score for Wakefield. Among numerous other awards and commendations, Thibaudet was named a Chevalier of the Ordre de la Légion d’honneur in 2025; President Emmanuel Macron personally presented him with the title. His concert wardrobe is designed by Dame Vivienne Westwood.
October 2026
Please note: Biographies are based on information provided to the CSOA by the artists or their representatives. More current information may be available on websites of the artists or their management.
