Acclaimed Pianist Lara Downes Joins Yamaha Artist Roster

Yamaha Artist Services New York announced that Lara Downes has joined the company's impressive roster of artists. "We are delighted Lara has chosen Yamaha pianos and keyboards to be her partner on the concert stage, in the recording studio and for all her musical adventures for many years to come," said Bonnie Barrett, director of Yamaha Services.

Lara Downes is an iconoclast dedicated to expanding the resonance and relevance of concert music for diverse audiences. Her playing has been called "luscious, moody and dreamy" by The New York Times, and "ravishing" by Fanfare Magazine. Textura writes of Downes, "At a historical moment when an abundance of ills makes despair a not unreasonable choice, her music-making symbolizes an unwavering belief that the world and its people have the capacity to make things better. Such an infectious and life-affirming stance makes resignation seem like a cowardly choice."

Downes' Sony Music debut album "For Lenny," a Leonard Bernstein centennial tribute, was awarded the 2017 Classical Recording Foundation Award and debuted in the Billboard Top 20. Classical Candor writes, "Downes' sensitive, nuanced playing brings out the best in everything."

Proudly represented by Cadenza Artists, Downes enjoys creative collaborations with a range of artists, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Hilary Hahn, baritone Thomas Hampson, roots singer Rhiannon Giddens, and beatboxer Kevin "K.O." Olusola (Pentatonix).

"I am thrilled to join the Yamaha family, where musical innovation, creative freedom and artistic expression are core values of our future-facing vision," Downes said. "The opportunity to make music on these great instruments, and with the Yamaha roster of great musicians, inspires me to bring my very best musical self to audiences and listeners across the globe."

"Lara's performances, chart-topping recordings and inspired artistic collaborations reveal fresh interpretations of music deeply personal to her," said Barrett. "Passionate, innovative, unafraid and always committed to excellence, Lara Downes is a thoroughly modern and original musician. We look forward to supporting her as she continues to explore her unique artistic voice."

About Yamaha Artist Services New York, Inc.
Established in 1987 in New York City, Yamaha Artist Services, Inc. (YASI) provides a wide range of professional services exclusively for performing artists, concert venues, performing arts organizations and educational institutions, representing an unparalleled commitment to the music industry and an invaluable resource for musicians, presenters and educators worldwide.

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