Jon Kimura Parker
piano
Pianist Jon Kimura Parker is known for his charisma, infectious enthusiasm and dynamic performances that celebrate the joy of musical expression. A veteran of the international stage, Parker has performed in major venues including the Berlin Philharmonie, Carnegie Hall, London’s South Bank, Sydney Opera House, and Beijing Concert Hall. From 2019 to 2025 he was the Minnesota Orchestra’s creative partner for Summer at Orchestra Hall, serving as a creative force behind the Orchestra’s summer festival and appearing each summer as a host, performer and personality. He currently serves as artistic director of the Honens International Piano Competition, artistic advisor for the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival and chair of the keyboard faculty at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music.
An eclectic and collaborative artist, Parker has performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Cho-Liang Lin, Frederica von Stade, Susan Graham and Lynn Harrell, as well as Doc Severinsen, Audra McDonald, Bobby McFerrin and Dessa. He co-founded the Montrose Trio and toured Off the Score with Police drummer Stewart Copeland, performing his own arrangements of Prokofiev, Ravel and Stravinsky. His 2025–26 season includes engagements with Chamber Music Tulsa, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Fresno Philharmonic, Richardson Symphony, Meany Center and Canada’s Royal Conservatory of Music.
A Gold Medalist at the 1984 Leeds International Piano Competition, Parker studied with Edward and Keiko Parker, Lee Kum-Sing, Marek Jablonski and Adele Marcus at Juilliard. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and holds honorary doctorates from the University of British Columbia and the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Parker, affectionately known as “Jackie,” lives with his wife, violinist/violist Aloysia Friedmann. Their daughter, Sophie, is an artist.