Piano

Originally from the region of Ottawa in Canada, pianist Jean-François Proulx moved to Philadelphia in 1999 where he became increasingly active as a performer and teacher.

A collaborative artist in high demand, he performs often with singers, instrumentalists and ensembles.  He also gives occasional solo recitals, lectures and master classes.  Praised for his “warm and communicative playing,” “beautiful, pure tone,” and “extraordinary clarity and ravishing colors,” he has moved audiences throughout Canada and the U.S.  He is extremely well-versed in the music of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Debussy and Prokofiev.

Jean-François has received various awards, including First Prize at the prestigious Canadian Music Competition in 1998, First Prize at the Conservatoire de Musique du Québec Competition, the trophy for best interpretation of a work by Mozart at the Kiwanis Music Festival, and the title of “City of Gatineau’s Artist of the Year.”

Meanwhile, teaching became a more important part of his activities.  He gave lessons at L’Ecole de Musique de l’Outaouais where his students distinguished themselves by earning several prizes and honors.

Jean-François was invited to represent the City of Gatineau’s performing artists at the 1999 Cities Convention in Vancouver.  His solo recitals were broadcast on national radio (CBC) and television in 1995, 1998 and 2004.  He has also performed concertos with various orchestras, notably with the Temple University Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rossen Milanov.

In 2009, he earned his Doctorate in Musical Arts – Piano Performance and Composition.  He then joined the faculty of Temple University as an adjunct Artist-In-Residence.

Impressed by Nelly Berman’s dedication to exceptionally gifted musicians, Jean-François started giving piano lessons at her music school in the summer of 2008.  The commitment to excellence and passion for music displayed by NBS students from the youngest age is a constant source of inspiration and amazement to him.