Sally Pinkas

Sally Pinkas is Professor of Music and Pianist-in-Residence at the Hopkins Center at Dartmouth College. An internationally acclaimed Israeli-born pianist, she maintains an active career spanning concert performance, recording, and pedagogy. Her professional affiliations include Ensemble Schumann and the Hirsch-Pinkas Duo (with husband Evan Hirsch), with whom she tours globally.

Her educational background features a B.A. from Brandeis University, M.M. from Indiana University and New England Conservatory (Artist Diploma), and Ph.D. in Composition from Brandeis University. Principal teachers included Russell Sherman, George Sebok, Luise Vosgerchian, Genia Bar-Niv (piano), Sergiu Natra (composition), and Robert Koff (chamber music).

Professor Pinkas specializes in piano performance and instruction, chamber music performance, and coaching. Her repertoire spans classical to contemporary works, with particular expertise in Romantic literature, 20th-century American composers (especially George Rochberg), and historical revivals like 19th-century Filipino Salon Music. Her performances are characterized by "eloquent and ardent" playing, "exquisite tone," and "remarkable dexterity" according to major publications.

Her extensive discography reveals a progression from classical/romantic repertoire toward contemporary works, with increasing focus on American composers. Recent recordings like the Shostakovich & Bridge Piano Sonatas demonstrate her mastery of 20th-century literature while maintaining technical precision and emotional depth.

• Featured in major publications: Gramophone, BBC Music Magazine, Fanfare
• Performed with Boston Pops, Aspen Philharmonia, Jupiter Symphony
• Appeared at Marlboro, Rockport, Havana festivals
• International premieres in Russia, Israel, Nigeria, Indonesia

Professor Pinkas mentors students through MUS 53 (Keyboard Individual Instruction) and MUS 60 (Studies in Musical Performance) at Dartmouth. She maintains an active touring schedule with upcoming engagements in China (2023), Europe, and throughout the Americas, continuing her mission to share diverse repertoire with global audiences.

Her performance venues span prestigious institutions worldwide including Wigmore Hall, Cecília Meireles Hall in Rio de Janeiro, and cultural centers across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, reflecting her commitment to musical diplomacy through performance.