Pianist Michelle Cann Receives Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award

Having studied at the Curtis Institute, as well as at the Cleveland Institute of Music, pianist Michelle Cann has now returned to the latter institution and currently holds the inaugural Eleanor Sokoloff Chair in Piano Studies there.

In the 2021-22 season, Cann scheduled debut performances with the Atlanta, Detroit, and St. Louis symphonies, and regularly presents solo and chamber recitals throughout the US and Asia. In addition to performing in the Cann Duo, with sister and pianist Kimberly Cann, her frequent collaborators include prominent artists such as Leila Josefowicz and Karen Slack.

Cann is an advocate for the music of Florence Price, and recently released a world premiere recording of Price's piano quintets in collaboration with the Catalyst Quartet. Released on Azica Records, it includes two piano quintets, one of which has never been recorded.

Cann was also the recipient of the 2021 Florence Price Award for her championing of the composer's work. In March, she will also receive the Sphinx Medal of Excellence for 2022, which recognizes extraordinary Black and Latinx musicians.

In recognition of these accomplishments, Bay Chamber Concerts honored her with the Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award. “Michelle has a rare combination of gifts," said the awards committee. "This includes a wonderful technique and superb musicianship, of course. But it also includes that rare ability to show unique musical personality while at the same time supporting and encouraging the voices of others in a chamber music ensemble.”