Robert Koenig

Robert Koenig is a Professor and Head of Collaborative Piano at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where he has served as Chair of the Music Department and Head of Performance. He also serves as Artistic Director of the Palm Springs International Piano Competition. A renowned collaborative pianist and chamber musician, Koenig has performed globally at venues like Carnegie Hall, Suntory Hall, and Queen Elizabeth Hall, collaborating with leading artists such as Augustin Hadelich and Elmar Oliveira. His discography includes Grammy-nominated recordings and works with labels like Naxos, Artek, and Decca.

Education: Graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music under Dr. Vladimir Sokoloff. Former Professor of Piano and Chamber Music at the University of Kansas. Current roles include Coordinator of Collaborative Piano at Interlochen Summer Arts Camp and leadership in UCSB’s Music Department.

Research/Performance Focus: Specializes in collaborative piano, chamber music, and new music advocacy. Commissioned Lowell Liebermann’s Piano Trio, Op. 87, premiered at the National Flute Association Convention. Active in summer festivals including Aspen, Banff, and Campos do Jordao.

Awards: GRAMMY nomination for the Naxos recording of William Primrose Transcriptions for Viola and Piano with Roberto Diaz.

Advising/Grants: Extensive teaching and mentorship roles in keyboard and chamber music programs. No specific grants listed in the provided texts.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with Camerata Pacifica, Miro String Quartet, and St. Lawrence String Quartet. Leadership in UCSB’s Department of Music and Interlochen’s collaborative piano programs.