Grand Valley State announces new Artist-in-Residence

Grand Valley State University President Thomas J. Haas has announced that internationally acclaimed pianist Aviram Reichert will move from a faculty position to a newly created 12-month position as University Artist-in-Residence.

Originally from Israel, Reichert joined Grand Valley’s faculty in 2001. He won the Bronze Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1997, just months after he took first place in the First-Dong-A International Piano Competition in Seoul, Korea. Reichert has also won international competitions in France, Germany and Japan. He has performed with symphonies around the world, including all the leading orchestras in his native country: The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Haifa Symphony Orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra in Jerusalem. He has also played with orchestras in Japan, the Dominican Republic, South Africa and the United States. He has had recitals in Chicago, Atlanta, San Antonio, Washington, D.C., to name just a few cities.

“What an incredible talent and gift Avi Reichert is to Grand Valley,” said President Haas. “We have been fortunate to showcase his talents at campus and community events and want to allow him more time and opportunities to share his abilities as a performer. Avi, in his new role as University Artist-in-Residence, is another marker of Grand Valley’s ascent in prestige.”

Reichert, in recognition of his passion to perform, resigned his position as an associate professor of music at Grand Valley and accepted this three-year appointment as Grand Valley’s Artist-in-Residence.

“First, I must thank President Haas and Provost Gayle Davis for creating this position,” Reichert said. “It is a great privilege to be recognized like this and to be given this opportunity to share my passion for music and performing. I’m also excited I can continue to be involved with students and piano alumni with whom I stay in touch and help prepare for auditions, performances and competitions.”

Reichert is a Steinway artist who is in the final process of recording a CD containing pieces by Schubert and Beethoven, composers he says he is compelled to record.

Reichert will perform when the World Affairs Council brings former Secretary of State James Baker to DeVos Place in Grand Rapids October 8, at “Feeding the Soul of the City” at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Muskegon September 25, and he is the featured Gala Artist in Detroit at the October Michigan Music Teacher Association conference.