Performance Today Names Gabriela Montero 2023 Classical Woman of the Year

Mar 31, 2023

ST. PAUL, March 31, 2023 - Performance Today, the nationally syndicated classical music radio program from American Public Media (APM), announced today that Gabriela Montero is the 2023 Classical Woman of the Year.

“I’m thrilled that Gabriela Montero is our 2023 Performance Today Classical Woman of the Year,” said Fred Child, host and senior editor of Performance Today. “She is a soulful artist at the piano, bringing out the beauty and humanity in a wide range of music, from Mozart to the heart-on-sleeve Romantics to 21st century works. She is a fervent composer of music that speaks to the joy and tumult of our times. Her lifelong delight in improvisation fascinates and delights audiences around the world. She is equally committed to passionate work on behalf of emerging musicians in our field, and devoted to human rights causes, especially in her native Venezuela. Her unique combination of professional artistry and personal integrity brightens our art and inspires our souls. It’s with great pleasure that we recognize Gabriela with this well-deserved award.”

Born in Venezuela, Montero is a celebrated pianist and composer known for her visionary interpretations and unique compositional gifts. She has performed in many of the world's leading orchestras and has received critical acclaim for her exceptional musicality and ability to improvise. Montero’s recordings have won numerous awards including the Latin Grammy® for Best Classical Album, the Heidelberger Frühling Music Prize and the 4th International Beethoven Award. Her first full-length composition, Piano Concerto No. 1, the “Latin“ Concerto, was performed in 2016 at the Leipzig Gewandhaus. Montero is also a committed advocate for human rights. She was named an Honorary Consul by Amnesty International and was also recognized by the Human Rights Foundation for her ongoing commitment to human rights advocacy in Venezuela.

“I am very humbled to accept the honor of Performance Today’s Classical Woman of the Year 2023,” said Montero. “My special thanks to all of you at APM, but especially to our supportive listeners nationwide, without whom our music would fall silent. Keep listening!”

Child will have a conversation with Montero on today’s episode of Performance Today. To find a station near you, visit the program station list.

Performance Today’s Classical Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the classical music art form. Winners are based on listener nominations and selected by Performance Today staff members.

Performance Today is America's most popular classical music radio program, featuring live performances and recordings from concert halls and festivals around the world. The show is broadcast on hundreds of public radio stations across the country and is distributed by American Public Media. Learn more at yourclassical.org/performance-today.

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