Prepare to be captivated as the Waco Symphony Orchestra kicks off its new season on October 3 with an extraordinary concert featuring the world-renowned pianist Orli Shaham. Recognized for her grace, subtlety, and brilliance, Shaham has garnered international acclaim as one of today’s most gifted musicians. Her prodigious talents and interpretations of both classic and contemporary repertoire have made her a sought-after artist worldwide. The New York Times has praised her as a “brilliant pianist,” while The Chicago Tribune described her as “a first-rate Mozartean.” 

Shaham’s illustrious career includes performances with major orchestras across the United States and around the globe, including stages such as Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House. Her talents have been featured at countless music festivals, and she has established a reputation for excellence both in live performances and on recordings. She is the Artistic Director, host, and featured performer on Pacific Symphony’s chamber series Café Ludwig, a role she has held since 2007, and has served as the Artist in Residence at Vancouver Symphony (USA) from 2022 to 2024. 

In 2024, Shaham completed her recording of the entire cycle of Mozart’s piano sonatas, a monumental project that earned her widespread critical acclaim. Alongside these recordings, her performances of Mozart’s Piano Concertos K.453 and K.491 with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra stand as a testament to her exceptional artistry. Her discography also includes the acclaimed solo album Brahms Inspired and her collaboration with Marc-André Hamelin on John Adams’ Grand Pianola Music with the San Francisco Symphony. In 2014, she released American Grace featuring Steven Mackey’s Stumble to Grace with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. 

Beyond her performances, Shaham is dedicated to music education and outreach. She serves on the piano and chamber music faculty at The Juilliard School and has been a juror for competitions like the Cliburn and Honens International Piano Competitions. Shaham also has a major presence on public radio, co-hosting NPR’s From the Top and contributing to educational platforms such as Tonebase. Additionally, she is the Artistic Director of the interactive children’s concert series Bach Yard and chairs the Board of Trustees of the Kaufman Music Center. 

On October 3, Shaham will join the Waco Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening, celebrating the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Under the baton of Maestro Lawrence Loh in his inaugural season as Music Director, this concert promises to be a thrilling exploration of musical frontiers. Secure your tickets now!