Michel Béroff

Michel Béroff (born May 9, 1950), French pianist and conductor of Bulgarian origin. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Beroff and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1974 / Michel Beroff playing Concerto No 2 for Piano and Orchestra Opus 16 by Prokofieff."

Béroff was born at Épinal, France and trained at the Nancy Conservatory, winning the 1st prize in 1962 and the prize of excellence in 1963. He completed his studies at the Paris Conservatory with Yvonne Loriod, winning the 1st prize in 1966. In 1967 he made his Paris debut and won 1st prize in the Messiaen competition in Royan. Thereafter he toured extensively internationally and performed with most of the major orchestras and as a recitalist. He has recorded extensively forEMI in works by Liszt, Prokofiev, Stravinsky, J.S. Bach, Debussy, Bartók and Messiaen.

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.