Christian Zacharias, piano

The qualities that make Christian Zacharias one of the world’s most celebrated pianists have also enabled him to make his mark as a conductor, festival director, musical thinker, writer, and broadcaster: integrity married to individualism; deep musical insight matched by a sure poetic instinct; a brilliance in communication; a charismatic and commanding platform manner. He first made his name as a pianist, continuing to appear in concerto and recital performances worldwide. He performs with the world’s leading conductors and conducts the most renowned orchestras; many of his recordings were awarded international prizes.

Since the 2017-18 season, Christian Zacharias has been principal guest conductor of the Orquesta y Coro de la Comunidad de Madrid. He assumed the same position with the Orquestra Sinfonica Do Porto Casa da Musica in 2020. He has also been principal guest conductor of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and an "Artistic Partner" of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.

On the occasion of his 60th birthday in 2010, the Alte Oper Frankfurt arranged an "Artist's Portrait" of Christian Zacharias, which presented him as pianist, conductor, chamber musician, and as Lied accompanist with five concerts and three films. Since 2015, Zacharias has served as chairman of the jury of the Clara Haskil Competition, and in 2018 he was president of the jury of the Geza Anda Competition, where he also conducted the final concert.