Joseph Smith

Pianist, writer, and lecturer Joseph Smith has been represented in Carnegie Hall as author of a narration for Weber’s opera Oberon, presented by Collegiate Chorale with Roger Rees narrating. He has written for the Seattle Opera Magazine, and lectured for such organizations as the New York Wagner Society and the Charlotte Symphony.

As a pianist, Mr. Smith is known for performances, recordings, and broadcasts of unusual repertoire. For several years, Mr. Smith had a monthly feature on NPR’s Performance Today, playing and discussing little-known piano pieces. His most recent recording is Piano Barcarolles: From Venice to the Mississippi (Brioso).

Mr. Smith’s special interest in African American composers led him to edit Four Early 20th Century Piano Suites for G. Schirmer. He also had the honor of giving Billy Strayhorn’s youthful piano piece Valse its first publication and broadcast, and playing African American pieces on a special WQXR broadcast celebrating the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Joseph Smith has been associated with Gregg Baker since Baker’s operatic debut, and the two have performed recitals in Japan, Finland, and throughout the US.