Keyboardist
Pianist Beverly Gilbert has played keyboard with the Atlanta Symphony since 1989. She has performed chamber music concerts with numerous members of the ASO since 1975, when she was invited to play in a piano trio that included her future husband, violinist Lorentz Ottzen. Together they founded the Deckers Chamber Ensemble, a group whose repertoire includes duos to quintets. They presented several concerts each season for twenty-one years.
In addition to performing with other orchestras and chamber music groups, Ms. Gilbert has played a wide variety of events in public and private venues. She has performed as a soloist on both sides of the Atlantic, and her recitals have been broadcast nationally on Public Radio and Television. From 1974-82, Ms. Gilbert was on the piano faculty at Emory University.
A native of Blakely, Georgia, she received the Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees from the College-Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati, with a major in piano and minors in organ and harpsichord. Her major teacher was Canadian pianist Raymond Dudley, she received ensemble coaching from many members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and as staff accompanist of the choral department she played rehearsals under the direction of several of the CSO?s conductors and guest conductors. She received numerous awards, prizes, and scholarships, and she was the winner of a national piano competition.
After receiving her Master?s Degree, she spent three years in Milan, Italy, under the tutelage of the renowned Hungarian pianist, Ilonka Deckers-Küszler. Ms. Gilbert maintained a close personal relationship with her mentor, with frequent visits in both directions, until Madame Deckers?s death in 1998, at the age of 97.
Aside from her performing activities, Ms. Gilbert maintains a class of private students. She is an avid swimmer, and her other interests include sailing, kayaking, needlework, and poetry.
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Beverly Gilbert
