Lambert Orkis' Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Mastery | MH Podcast Orkis Interview Part 1"

The Mada & Hugh Piano Duo Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo Podcast. Today, we're thrilled to bring you the first part of our interview with the esteemed collaborative pianist and professor, Lambert Orkis from Temple University. This interview, originally conducted last year, delves into the early life, musical beginnings, and career of Professor Orkis. As we reflect on our first guest, we are excited to share his story and insights into his approach to music and life.

Setting the Scene

We filmed this special interview at Temple University's Boyer College of Music, specifically in Rock Hall, a beautiful auditorium that provided the perfect backdrop for our conversation. Although the interview is about an hour long, we’ve decided to break it into three parts for easier listening. In this first segment, you'll get to know Lambert Orkis, his early encounters with music, and his journey to becoming a renowned pianist.

The Impact of Professor Orkis

Before diving into the interview, Mada and I shared our personal experiences with Professor Orkis. Mada, having worked with him for over five years, expressed how continuously enlightening it is to discover new aspects of his personality and approach to music and life. For me, meeting Professor Orkis was a profound experience, especially since we both graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music and studied under the same teacher, Eleanor Sokoloff. His unique insights into musicianship and his warm, kind nature have left a lasting impression on both of us.

Beginning with Music

The interview begins with Lambert Orkis sharing his musical origins. Coming from a blue-collar family with no strong musical background, his journey is particularly inspiring. His family inherited a piano from his grandmother, which sparked his early interest in music. A kindergarten teacher recognized his talent and encouraged his mother to seek formal lessons for him.

Early Lessons and Influences

Lambert started his formal piano education with conductor Guglielmo Sabatini, learning to read music and developing his skills. By the age of six, he was already playing advanced pieces like the A major Mozart Sonata. His mother, noticing his talent, sought out the best teachers in Philadelphia, eventually leading Lambert to study with the legendary Eleanor Sokoloff at the Curtis Institute of Music.

Studying with Eleanor Sokoloff

At ten years old, Lambert began his studies with Eleanor Sokoloff, a formidable presence and a significant influence on his musical development. He vividly recalls his first lesson, where he barely got through two bars of Schumann’s “Scenes from Childhood” due to the intense focus on phrasing and creating a beautiful sound. Mrs. Sokoloff’s rigorous technical training laid the foundation for his future success, including learning intricate passage work, scales, and arpeggios.

A Path to Excellence

Under Mrs. Sokoloff's guidance, Lambert's talent flourished. By eleven, he was performing with the Philadelphia Orchestra and participating in children’s concerts. His dedication and hard work led to his acceptance into the Curtis Institute of Music at the age of thirteen, where he continued his studies for five years. Mrs. Sokoloff’s emphasis on excellence and feeling the music deeply influenced Lambert’s artistic journey.

Reflections on Technique and Training

Both Hugh and Lambert shared their experiences with Mrs. Sokoloff's teaching methods. Her approach to technical training was rigorous, ensuring a strong foundation that made learning more complex pieces easier. Lambert’s dedication to practice and his pursuit of technical mastery were evident in his remarkable progress and achievements.

Conclusion

This first part of our interview with Lambert Orkis offers a fascinating glimpse into the early life and musical development of a remarkable pianist. His journey from a humble beginning to studying at one of the most prestigious music schools in the world is a testament to his talent and perseverance. Stay tuned for part two, where we delve deeper into his career and the influential musicians he encountered along the way.

We hope you enjoyed this segment of the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo Podcast. Join us next time for more insights and stories from the world of classical music.