Karen Dreyfus

Karen Dreyfus has distinguished herself as the recipient of many prizes both in this country and abroad, including the Naumburg Viola Competition (1982), the Lionel Tertis Competition (1980), the Washington International Competition (1979), and the Hudson Valley Competition (1978). She is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalists Award.

She has concertized extensively in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and South America during her career, performing as well as touring with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Musicians From Marlboro, and the New York Philharmonic.

Karen Dreyfus has recorded many CDs of both solo and chamber music. Her premiere recording with Bridge Records, entitled Romanze, was received with much critical acclaim. American Record Guide praised Ms. Dreyfus as “a terrific player with impeccable technique and intonation, beautiful tone, and real musicianship.” More recently she recorded the William Walton Viola Concerto, Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante” for Navona Records, and solo works by American composers under the MMC label. She has also recorded the Martinu Madrigals on a Cala Records CD entitled New York Legends with violinist Glenn Dicterow. Her recording with the ensemble the Lyric Piano Quartet of Strauss and Turina was nominated “Editor’s Choice” by Gramophone magazine. Bridge Records has released an all-Dvořák recording with members of the Lyric Piano Quartet, as well as a Dohnányi recording, on which Karen Dreyfus participated.

Ms. Dreyfus is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music. A member of the Manhattan School of Music faculty since 1991, she teaches viola, chamber music, and orchestral studies. She is also on the faculty of the Juilliard School and Mannes School of Music. Karen Dreyfus is a founding member of the Lyric Piano Quartet, the Amerigo Trio, and the Antonin Quartet.