Pianist Dr. Ray Kilburn, recognized as being among Canada’s most gifted artists, now resides permanently in the United States. His career has taken him throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Europe, Japan and China. Critics have been unanimous in their praise of his outstanding technical abilities and artistic temperament. In one critic’s words, “if Kilburn is not the reincarnation of the great romantic pianists, he comes close”. Arthur Kaptainis of the Montreal Gazette wrote, "Kilburn came across as a pianist of serious musical aims and thorough technical command. Technical hurdles were cleared with aplomb and his warm, firm tone never faltered." John Lambert of Spectator Magazine wrote, "Kilburn.... is a powerhouse player infused with musicianship and taste. Pianism of this caliber is rare, indeed." Dr. Kilburn’s debut performance in Raleigh was named one of the top ten classical performances of the 1994-95 season by Spectator Magazine. His first solo compact disc was released in 1997, and his second solo disc “Kilburn Plays Rachmaninoff” was released in 2000. In early 2001, he completed a collaborative compact disc with his father, cellist Michael Kilburn. He recently recorded a 4th compact disc of solo piano works that will be released in 2006.

Ray Kilburn maintains a very active performance schedule. This past season included 44 performances in both solo and chamber music recitals. Recent engagements have included performances on numerous concert series and recital / guest teaching appearances at many colleges and universities. Other highlights include visiting professorships and guest artist performances at the Xinghai Conservatory in Guangzhou, China , in Chapala, Mexico, and Ota city in Japan. He gave a very successful 8-concert tour of Costa Rica this past summer. Beyond his work as a soloist, Dr. Kilburn has been active performing chamber music. Highlights have included concerts with his father, cellist Michael Kilburn, as well as many concerts both in the America and abroad with his wife, soprano Yoko Shimazaki-Kilburn. A wide variety of other collaborations include choreographed performances of Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto with Les Grandes Ballets Canadiens, and Beethoven Triple Concerto with the Chirusca Trio. Dr. Kilburn’s many accomplishments have been recognized through prestigious arts grants from both the US and Canada. He has been heard frequently on Radio Canada in live concert broadcasts, as well as on WCPE and the ETV networks in the United States, and the NHK television network in Japan.

Ray Kilburn completed a Licentiate diploma and Bachelor's degree at McGill University in Canada, and the Master's and Doctor of Music Degrees in Piano Performance at Indiana University. His primary teachers include the eminent Canadian pianist Tom Plaunt, and the late world-renowned pianist Gyorgy Sebok. Dr. Kilburn served for two years on the faculty of music at Coastal Carolina University, SC, and then for seven years on the faculty of music at Peace College, NC, where he received both promotion and tenure. He is a much sought after recitalist, master teacher, and adjudicator, serves on the board of the IMTA, and now holds the position of Associate Professor of piano on the faculty of music at Ball State University.

For booking information, broadcasting authorization, or to purchase a compact disc, please contact:

Ray Kilburn
8304 Rolling Dr.,
Muncie, Indiana 47304
Home phone/Fax: 765.759.7215
rjkilburn@bsu.edu