featured Artist
Quick Facts
• Lauded as one of the top jazz pianists of his generation, Sullivan Fortner is recognized for his virtuosic technique and captivating performances. The winner of three prestigious awards – a Leonore Annenberg Arts Fellowship; the 2015 Cole Porter Fellowship from the American Pianists Association; and the 2016 Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists – Sullivan’s music embodies the essence of the blues and jazz as he connects music of all eras and genres through his improvisation.
• As a leader, The Sullivan Fortner Trio has performed on many of the world’s most prestigious stages including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Newport Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Discover Jazz Festival, Tri-C Jazz Festival, Jazz Standard, and the Gilmore Keyboard Festival. Already a regular performer on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s larger stages, he recently co-headlined the 30th Anniversary Landmark Concert at the Jazz at Lincoln Center season opening.
• Fortner frequently collaborates with other leading musicians around the world including Dianne Reeves, Roy Hargrove, Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, John Scofield, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Fred Hersch, DeeDee Bridgewater, Roberta Gambarini, Peter Bernstein, Stefon Harris, Nicholas Peyton, Billy Hart, Gary Bartz, and Christian Scott. He is currently a member of the Roy Hargrove Quintet.
• As an educator, Fortner has lead master classes at today’s most formidable music institutions, including Oberlin Conservatory of Music; Manhattan School of Music; New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NoCCA); Purdue University; Lafayette Summer Music Workshop; and Belmont University (TN).
“It has always been my dream to own a Steinway ever since the first time I've played one. The best Steinway is the greatest piano in the world.”
Sullivan Fortner
