Byron Janis Honored at 2009 Black and White Ball »

Renowned American concert pianist Byron Janis was honored at the 2009 Black and White Ball with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage.  The Black Tie event was co-chaired by Dr. Gerald Benston, Dr. Charles Monell and Dr. Judith Zacher.

Janis was a 15 year old boy when he made his concerto debut with Toscanini's NBC Symphony Orchestra. The concert launched a unique career - that of a brilliant, sensitive, thought-provoking artist.  The legendary Vladimir Horowitz, hearing him play, selected him as his first student for advanced studies.

At the height of the Cold War, Janis was selected to represent the United States in the first Cultural Exchange with the Soviet Union. His appearance in Russia and subsequent seven week tour, is credited with "breaking the Cultural Cold War."

Byron Janis was recognized as "the outstanding interpreeter of Chopin compositions" and the inheritor of "Artur Rubinstein's cherished place as a Chopin specialist of unquestioned ability."

Now in retirement, Byron continues as a master teacher and composer.