Sergei Rachmaninoff
– Piano Concerto No. 2
Michael Berkovsky, piano
Ludwig van Beethoven
– Symphony No. 9
with Amadeus Choir of Toronto
Saturday June 14, 2025
7:00pm George Weston Recital Hall
Rafael Luz Conductor
Tickets will be on sale at a later date.
Canadian-Israeli pianist, Dr. Michael Berkovsky, made his New York debut at the David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center and has toured as soloist in Ireland, Japan, Italy, Israel, Canada, the United States and Costa Rica; as well as performed under the baton of Vladimir Feltsman, Stefan Sanderling, Leon Fleisher and William Noll. Michael won numerous international awards and regularly collaborates with chamber groups and award winning musicians. He was a guest artist at many international festivals, including Arts Naples where he collaborated with Russian pianist Pavel Narcessian, and Music Niagara Festival. He frequents the cultural scene of his community in Toronto and has performed with Kindred Spirit Orchestra, York Symphony Orchestra and many others.
A passionate and dedicated music educator as well as a highly sought after piano teacher, Dr. Berkovsky is on the faculty of the Glenn Gould School and the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, at the Canadian Royal Conservatory of Music. He also maintains a private studio in which a number of his students have placed highly in provincial, national and international competitions. Additionally, Michael is a board member of the Canadian Music Competition as well as an advisor on the Artistic Committee of the Chinese Cultural Center Music Festival.
He was a recipient of the America Israel Cultural Foundation Scholarships from 1994-2001. On the recommendation from Maestro Valery Gergiev, Michael was awarded the White Nights Foundation Scholarships while studying at The Juilliard School.
Born in the former Soviet Union and immigrated to Israel in 1990, Michael has studied with Nataly Litvinova and was mentored by Alexander Slobodyanik. In 2001, his family moved to Toronto, Canada. He received his Bachelor and Master’s degrees from The Juilliard School where he studied with Yoheved Kaplinsky and Julian Martin. In 2011, he completed his Doctoral degree at the Peabody Conservatory of the John Hopkins University under the tutelage of Professor Yong Hi Moon.
“It’s not surprising to encounter talented pianists, but it sure is fun to hear one who has something distinctive to say” – Baltimore Sun
The award-winning Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto celebrates more than 50 years of enlivening the Toronto arts landscape through energetic performances, unexpected programming and artistic collaborations that redefine choral music. As we reflect on more than five decades of artistic excellence, we recognize that it has only been made possible through the dedication of our community. Starting with our choir members, volunteers, and staff, and rippling out to our audiences, donors, sponsors and the public, The Amadeus Choir has become a vital thread of connection in the cultural tapestry of Greater Toronto and beyond.
Led by Artistic Director Kathleen Allan, the Choir champions the best of choral music and premieres works of Canadian and international composers through a self-produced Toronto concert series, guest performances, and special events. The Amadeus Choir regularly commissions work from high-profile and emerging Canadian composers and recently established the Choral Creation Lab, a residency for composers and poets to co-create original works.
George Weston Recital Hall
Meridian Arts Centre
5040 Yonge Street North York
Tickets will be on sale at a later date.