Bracha Eden and Alexander Tamir, now recognized as one of the most established piano-duo teams world wide, are celebrating 40 years on the concert platform. Well known for their artistry, virtuosity and immaculate ensemble playing, Eden and Tamir's reputation continues to spread with their annual tours to the Far East, Europe and the United States.

Based in Jerusalem, Bracha Eden and Alexander Tamir met at the Jerusalem Conservatory where they were encouraged by their teacher, Alfred Schroder, to play together, just he had done with his own teacher, Arthur Schnabel. From the outset, their partnership was a success.

In 1995 they where invited to perform in the U.S. and, while there, they studied with the famous duo Vronsky and Babin. Two years later they won the Vercelli Duo Piano Competition, which resulted in a highly acclaimed tour.

Their reputation for expanding the duo piano repertoire has been well earned. They were responsible for introducing Lutoslawski's Paganini Variations to audiences outside Europe and, at the suggestion of Igor Stravinsky, were the first to record "The Rite of Spring" for two pianos.

Their repertoire consists of many lesser known works, a few of which were written especially for them or were premiered by them.
Eden and Tamir are also well known for their performances of the complete works for two pianos of Mozart, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann and, in particular, Brahms, which holds a special place in their repertoire. They were awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for their interpretation of the Sonata in F minor and, when the BBC discovered Brahms' own transcription for the four symphonies, they were invited to record them. To celebrate Brahms' 150th Anniversary, BBC television produced "Four Hands Play Brahms", featuring the duo.

They have recorded extensively for Decca and recently made several recordings for CRD, including Brahms' Symphony No. 3, and works by Debussy and Ravel. Their recording of "Dances around the World" was acclaimed by the June edition of Gramophone Magazine as "...an outright winner... outstanding among the world's duo pianists, and this exhilarating recital shows them at their finest." Presently they are in the process of recording the complete works for piano-four-hand by Franz Schubert - a project of 8 CD's, five of which have already been released for CRD Records.

Both Bracha Eden and Alexander Tamir are senior professors at the Jerusalem Rubin Academy of Music and Dance. They also teach a special course in Duo Piano.

Additionally to their performing and academic activities they have contributed to the Israeli music scene by establishing special musical projects, such as the Chamber Music Center in Jerusalem (The Targ Music Center) and the Chopin Society in Israel.

BRACHA EDEN & ALEXANDER TAMIR - 50 YEARS OF MUSIC-MAKING