Kallir, Lilian (1931—)

views updated

Kallir, Lilian (1931—)

Austrian pianist, known for her chamber-music recitals and recordings. Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, on May 6, 1931; daughter of Rudolf F. Kallir and Moina M. (Rademacher) Kallir; graduated from Gardner School, New York City, 1948; studied at Mannes College of Music, 1946–49; studied at Berkshire Music Center, 1947–49; attended Sarah Lawrence College, 1948–50; studied piano with Hermande Grab and Isabelle Vengerova; married Claude Frank (a pianist), on August 29, 1959; became a naturalized citizen of U.S. (1947).

Lilian Kallir and her Austrian parents fled Nazism in 1939. She studied at New York's Mannes School of Music and later with Isabelle Vengerova . Her New York debut in 1949 was with Dimitri Mitropoulos conducting the New York Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra. Kallir married Claude Frank and appeared with him in duo-piano recitals. Her recording of the Mozart Concerto No. 17, K. 453, received high praise, and her chamber-music work did much to enhance her reputation.

John Haag , Athens, Georgia