Elizabeth Newkirk

Elizabeth Newkirk is an American classical pianist and writer. She specializes in music of the early 20th century, and her scholarship explores American culture, mannerisms, and archetypes. A passionate humanist, she values a broad perspective for an enriched assimilation of the arts.

Elizabeth Newkirk makes her solo debut with the release of her album the Americanist, featuring orchestral works by Maurice Ravel, George Gershwin, and William Grant Still for solo piano. Partnering with the album is “the Americanist” essay where she builds an American cultural myth atop the philosophies of the transcendentalist and New Negro movements.

Educated in Chicago, Newkirk’s training included a wide array of experiences that have shaped her career. She completed her Master’s degree under Bartok aficionado Ludmila Lazar at Roosevelt University, while working with opera coach Scott Gilmore and soprano Judith Haddon with the Chicago Opera Theatre. She trained with long-time keyboardist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Mary Sauer as an associate pianist for the Civic Orchestra. Last but not least, she studied jazz with Dennis Luxion while working primarily with pianist/composer Sebastian Huydts at Columbia College.

Throughout her career, Newkirk’s projects, concerts, and ideas have reflected this comprehensive community. She was the artistic director and co-founder of the violin and piano duo, Bow & Hammer, where they curated performances that pushed the boundaries of the traditional concert. Their series included: IndustryNight (a house-hosted show that featured a local business), Élevé (a posh series with multi-disciplinary performances), the Coursed Concert (a collaboration with fine dining), among other pop-up events and more traditional chamber music series. She coached and performed new opera works in OperaFest at Roosevelt’s CCPA along with the Chicago premiere of Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians at Depaul University. Comfortable as a soloist or in an ensemble, Newkirk continues to innovate with projects that reflect the community and present new opportunities for artistic expression.