“Ivan Davis, a prize-winning classical pianist who was already a national figure when the University of Miami music school hired him in 1966, died Monday night,” writes Howard Cohen in Monday’s (3/12) Miami Herald. “Davis played with virtually every major orchestra in America…. Critics often called him peerless. He, in turn, often dismissed critics as ‘the crickets.’ … Davis remained at UM for 42 years, helping to guide the music program toward national recognition…. Davis retired in October 2008 … with a performance of Schumann’s ‘Kinderszenen’ [at] Gusman Concert Hall…. Davis won the Liszt Competition in New York in 1960…. A contemporary of fellow Texan Van Cliburn, Davis was raised in Hobbs, New Mexico, across the border from his birthplace, Electra, Texas…. He made his New York recital debut at Town Hall in 1959…. By the early 1960s, Davis coached with [Vladimir] Horowitz and was touring nationwide, performing alongside Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic and recording for Columbia Records…. He also recorded for London/Decca and the Miami-based Audiofon label. In 1966 … Davis made his debut in London at Queen Elizabeth Hall. The Guardian wrote: ‘He brought one back—or forward—to a golden age of pianism.’ ”
Posted March 15, 2018
