Ted Taylor, piano

Equally at home in the pit conducting a repertoire of over 50 operas and musicals, on the stage accompanying some of the world's pre-eminent vocalists or appearing in the country's top cabaret venues, Ted Taylor enjoys a varied international career. As pianist he has appeared with such luminaries as Kathleen Battle, Sylvia McNair, Ben Heppner and Christine Schäfer, and he has just conducted the world premiere in April 2009 of Libby Larsen's opera Picnic for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Formerly Music Director for the New York City Opera National Company and Mobile (Alabama) Opera, he has served on the conducting staff of the Metropolitan Opera and has led performances for many American opera companies. Taylor worked closely with composer and Oscar winner Tan Dun on the premiere of his first opera, Marco Polo, preparing the Hong Kong and Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestras for performances. He appeared as pianist with legendary singer Eileen Farrell for her CBS cable show and has served as accompanist in master classes with such legends as Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Carlo Bergonzi.

Appearances by Mr. Taylor include the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Festival, and Ravinia with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has performed with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Philadelphia Orchestra Chamber Music Series, Newport Music Festival, La Jolla Music Society Summerfest and Music Mountain. Among his cabaret venues are the Algonquin's Oak Room, and most recently the Royal Room of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach.

A native of Texas, Mr. Taylor did his graduate studies at Indiana University and is currently on the faculties of Yale University and Mannes College The New School of Music in New York City, where he maintains an active studio as coach and teacher. B.M.,George Peabody College, Vanderbilt University; M.M., Indiana University.