Gary Graffman: 1928–2025

Gary Graffman (Piano ’46) passed away on Saturday, December 27, at his New York City home. He was 97 years old.  

Graffman’s association with Curtis spanned many decades—as a student, teacher, director, and president. He first came to Curtis at age seven in 1936 to study piano with Isabelle Vengerova. After graduating at age 17 in 1946, he embarked on a more than 30-year international performance career, including making his professional solo debut with Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1946.  

In 1949, he won the Leventritt Competition, one of the most respected prizes in the U.S. classical music world. He went on to study intensely with notable pedagogues including Vladimir Horowitz and, during the summers, Rudolf Serkin at the Marlboro Music Festival. Graffman was the author of the memoir I Really Should Be Practicing (1981), received multiple honorary doctorates, and was honored by the City of New York, the City of Philadelphia, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a recipient of the Governor’s Arts Award.

Graffman returned to Curtis in 1980 as a member of the piano faculty, alongside Eleanor Sokoloff (’38), Jorge Bolet (’40), Mieczysław Horszowski, and Seymour Lipkin (’47), serving in that role for 41 years. In 1986, he was named director, and in 1995, became Curtis’ first president.

While we mark his accomplishments, however, we also acknowledge his failure to respond to reported sexual abuse of a student by a Curtis faculty member during his leadership tenure. (More information.)

At the height of his performance career, Graffman received a diagnosis of focal dystonia, a neurological condition that affects muscle functioning. He eventually lost the use of his right hand, which led him to focus on teaching and administration—as well as performing repertoire for the left hand.   

Gary Graffman’s classical music legacy is difficult to overstate. His artistry, desire for excellence, and his teaching have shaped generations of musicians.

We extend condolences to his students, friends, colleagues, and all who were impacted by his life and work.