James Parker

Biography

In solo, chamber, and orchestral concerts across Canada, the United States, Europe and Scandinavia, James Parker reveals technical prowess alongside subtle artistry. Celebrated by audiences and critics alike, he has performed with every major Canadian orchestra, and has given recitals across North America. James studied with Lee Kum-Sing at the Vancouver Academy of Music and at the University of British Columbia, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1985. For over a decade, James attended the Banff Centre, studying piano with Marek Jablonski, and chamber music with Lorand Fenyves. James then went to the Juilliard School in New York, studying with legendary pedagogue Adele Marcus, receiving his Master of Music degree in 1987, and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1992. During this period, James was a finalist and prize winner in the Montréal International and Gina Bachauer International Piano Competitions. Dr. Parker was an Associate Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University from 1996 until this past year, when he joined the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto as the Rupert E. Edwards Chair in Piano Performance. Jamie is also a member of the Gryphon Trio, one of Canada’s preeminent chamber music ensembles. Well known to CBC listeners, they have been nominated for Juno Awards, have toured many parts of the world, maintain a residency at Music Toronto, commission works from Canada’s best composers, and have just celebrated their 10th Anniversary season.