Naida Cole

Naida Cole’s exuberant classical piano performances have garnered the 25-year-old musician accolades from fans and reviewers around the world. She is the first Canadian classical artist contracted to Deutsche Grammophon, one of the world’s most prestigious labels, since its inauguration 100 years ago.

At 4½ years old, Ms. Cole was considered an exceptional student of piano and violin. In 1987, at age 13, she won associate status with first-class honours at the Royal Conservatory of Music, the youngest person to do, second only to Glenn Gould. A decade later, she became the highest-placed Canadian in the 40-year history of the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, reaching the semi-finals. She graduated from the University of Montreal as a Master of Music Performance in 1998, and is currently studying at Yale.

Ms. Cole has appeared with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Warsaw Philharmonic, Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Munich Philharmonic. Her playing has been called “irresistible,” her phrasing “lucid” and “supple,” and her performances “vibrant.”