Biography:

Jeanne-Minette Cilliers has received numerous awards and prizes since she began playing at age three. A native of Bloemfontein, South Africa, she won her first national competition in 1990. Grand prizes include the Indianapolis Matinee Musicale and the Kalamazoo Young Artists Bach Competition, as well as the silver medal in the 2000 Nena Wideman Concerto Competition. She has won prizes in all of South Africa's major competitions, including the 1999 Unisa Overseas Music Scholarship Competition and two special prizes at the Ninth Unisa International Piano Competition (2000).

As a participant in the 2001 Steans Institute for Young Artists at the Ravinia Festival, Ms. Cilliers has worked with distinguished artists such as Leon Fleisher, Christoph Eschenbach and Claude Frank. Her performances at this festival included the Dvorak Piano Quintet with cellist, Frans Helmerson.

Now based in the USA, Ms. Cilliers made her Washington, D.C. debut at the Phillips Collection in November 2001. Her 2002 schedule includes a performance at the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series in Chicago.

Apart from her solo work, Ms. Cilliers is an active collaborator. She performed cello-piano works in Austria, Germany, Israel, as well as in the United States. She was also invited to perform chamber music during the 1996 Irving S. Gilmore Keyboard Festival.

She has recorded on a regular basis for the South African Broadcasting Company, and has been featured in SABC television and radio programs. In May 1993, she received two performance licentiates in chamber music and vocal accompanying (equivalent to an arts diploma), both cum laude, from the University of South Africa.

Ms. Cilliers earned her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees, with distinction, from the University of Michigan in 1995 and 1997, respectively, while studying with fellow South African Anton, Nel. As a student of Menahem Pressler's, she earned an Artist's Diploma from Indiana University in 2000.

~ Reviews ~

"Schumann's Symphonic Etudes, Op.13 were performed with a ringing sound, clear outlines of structure and voice leading, and exceptional self-assurance. Cilliers' technique shows a positive and well-aimed use of energy and momentum to the advantage of tone quality and suppleness.

"Debussy's Images, Book 1, was an attractive performance characterized by finely planned finger work and sound control which made the image of the reflections come to life (Reflets dans l'eau). Hommage a Rameau was presented with a rich sound and amazing range of tone colors.

"Cilliers delivered forceful and atmospheric playing in Liszt's Funérailles, as well as in the closing Andante Spianato & Grand Polonaise by Chopin. Both works showcased an exceptionally large range of tone colors as well as touch. Sensitive nuances and technical flawlessness were trademarks in both works, as in the rest of the program."

Die Volksblad, Bloemfontein, (South Africa)