Isaiah J. Thompson, piano
Dec 9, 2025
Tuesday, 7:30 pm (Reception 6:30-7:15 pm)
The Kosciuszko Foundation: 15 E 65th St, NYC
Pianist and composer Isaiah J. Thompson is originally from West Orange, New Jersey. He began studying with pianists Alla Epelbaum at the Calderone School of Music and Bob Mikula from an early age, and soon after enrolled in Jazz House Kids and NJPAC Jazz for Teens. He was later admitted to the Juilliard School, where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music, and went on to further his education in Theology and the Arts at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Isaiah joined the John Pizzarelli Trio in 2019 and has performed with major artists such as Christian McBride, Steve Turre, Catherine Russell, and Buster Williams. His recording debut was featured on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Handful of Keys album with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis, and he has since released multiple recordings as a leader.
Thompson contributed to the Golden Globe–nominated soundtrack for the film Motherless Brooklyn, was named a Steinway Artist, and has received numerous accolades, including the 2018 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award and second place in the 2018 Thelonious Monk Competition. In 2023, he was named the winner of the American Pianists Awards and the Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz, and in 2024, he joined the Jazz Studies faculty at The Juilliard School.
As a jazz musician and performer, Isaiah aims to emit love, spirit, and respect, conveying his personal experiences and passion for the music through his artistry.
