Chad R. Bowles

Dubbed by Gramophone as "...a superb, confident technician and an intelligent stylist, who doesn’t have to prove anything...", American pianist Chad R. Bowles has performed hundreds of solo recitals across the United States, in Canada, and Europe. Commanding an unusually vast repertoire and an effortless technique, his performances of the standard as well as forgotten repertoire have brought him great respect and admiration from both critics and the public alike. His deep understanding of both well-loved masterpieces and overlooked gems allows him to create programs that surprise and move his listeners, drawing them into the experience of classical music in a way that feels fresh and personal. His commitment to expanding the reach of classical music extends beyond traditional performances, as he frequently gives benefit recitals and interactive concerts designed to engage new audiences and reignite passion for lesser-known works.

A true virtuoso, he possesses an uncanny ability to play just about anything, from the elegance of Haydn to the fire of Liszt, with a clarity and expressiveness that make even the most demanding works feel immediate and engaging. His gift for interpreting a vast range of repertoire has made him a sought-after performer, praised not just for his technique but for his ability to make audiences feel truly connected to the music.

As a recitalist, recent seasons have seen Mr. Bowles performing for Stowe Performing Arts, Mildred McDaniel Concert Series, Rappahannock Concert Association, the Newport Music Festival, Calvary United Community Concert Series, Jean C. Wilson Music Series, Concord Community Concert Association, Wolfeboro Friends of Music, Lettvin Chamber Music Series, and many others. In addition, he has given recitals in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, Rhode Island, Florida, and California.

As a recording artist, Mr. Bowles has received unanimous critical praise for his work for JRI Recordings. His debut recording of five Haydn sonatas was promptly named by Fanfare Magazine as “the starting point for anyone not familiar with Haydn’s sonatas” and continued “If you are already familiar, all the more reason to catch up with Mr. Bowles.” His second recording for JRI features Richard Strauss’ Enoch Arden with Bass-Baritone David Ripley. An all-digital album of Liszt piano works titled "A Liszt Album" followed, and his most recent CD, released in May, 2017, features the Chopin and Liszt B Minor Sonatas and has received remarkable critical praise. Future projects include a second volume of Haydn Sonatas, as well as a recital of music by Beethoven, Chopin, York Bowen, and Liszt.

A New England native, Mr. Bowles holds a bachelor's degree in Piano Performance from the University of New Hampshire and both a master's degree and the Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland. His primary teachers include Arlene Kies, Frederick Moyer, Alexander Shtarkman, and legendary American pianist Earl Wild. He makes his home with his wife and young children in Baltimore, Maryland, where he is full-time artist faculty and Chair of Piano at Peabody Preparatory and the Co-Director of the Peabody Piano Academy. His approach to teaching reflects his own philosophy as a performer: that music, at its best, is a shared experience, one that transcends time and technique to forge a direct connection between the artist and the listener.

In October, 2019, Chad R. Bowles was inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame.
 

March, 2025
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