David Allen Wehr

David Allen Wehr serves as Dean of the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University, holding the Jack W. Geltz Distinguished Piano Chair. An internationally renowned pianist, he has performed in over 30 countries with major orchestras such as the London Symphony and Houston Symphony. His career began with the 1987 Santander International Piano Competition Gold Medal, propelling him into global tours and collaborations with ensembles like the Sartory Trio. He earned B.M. and M.M. degrees in piano performance from the University of Kansas, and his accolades include the Kosciuszko Chopin Prize and Naumburg Competition recognition.

As a scholar and educator, Wehr focuses on classical piano performance, chamber music, and piano literature. He founded the Music on the Bluff series, a celebrated chamber music event featuring faculty from the Mary Pappert School of Music and the Pittsburgh Symphony. The series has explored themes like Beethoven’s sonatas, Brahms, French music, and Russian compositions over its two-decade history, now reaching audiences virtually during the pandemic.

Wehr’s discography with Connoisseur Society includes landmark recordings such as the complete Beethoven Sonata Cycle. His tenure at Duquesne spans two periods (1991–1994 and 2001–present), during which he established the Hillman Distinguished Chair. Beyond performance, he is sought after as a master class presenter, competition judge, and advocate for musical education.