As the first piano duo to receive the Avery Fisher Career Grant, Christina and Michelle Naughton have captivated audiences throughout the globe with the unity created by their mystical communication. The Naughton duo’s career was launched with a recital debut at Kennedy Center and an orchestral debut at the Mann Center with the Philadelphia Orchestra, which led the Philadelphia Inquirer to characterize their playing as “paired to perfection”. Subsequently, their careers spread into Europe and Asia.
Especially passionate about American 20th century music, Christina and Michelle have immersed themselves in several projects devoted to this theme. 2019’s American Postcard, their second album of their exclusive signing with Warner Classics, showcases a variety of 20th century American compositions and commissions by composers such as John Adams, Aaron Copland, Conlon Nancarrow, and Paul Schoenfield. Additionally, they have done several premieres of works in capacities such as commissions by the LA Phil’s Green Umbrella series, a world premiere of John Adams’ Roll Over Beethoven at NYC’s WQXR Greenespace, a European premiere of Paul Lansky’s Shapeshifters with Solistees Europeans Luxembourg, a weeklong American chamber music residency with musicians of the New World Symphony, and several concerts devoted to 20th century American music at Germany’s Klavierfestival Ruhr.
The Naughtons discography features a wide variety of musical styles. Their first album, released on the German label ORFEO in 2012 and recorded in Bremen’s Sendesaal; focuses heavily on traditional Classic and Romantic selections. It was praised by Der Spiegel Magazine for “stand(ing) out with unique harmony, and sing(ing) out with stylistic confidence, and described by ClassicsToday as a “Dynamic Duo Debut.” In 2016 they released their debut record on the Warner Classics label titled Visions. The album is comprised of the music of Messiaen, Bach, and Adams and was chosen as “Editor’s Choice” by Gramophone Magazine shortly after its release.
Christina and Michelle have played as soloists with orchestras around the world. As recitalists, the Naughtons have performed at such notable concert halls as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater, Walt Disney Hall, Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall and Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw.
Frequent guests at festivals around the world, the Naughtons have appeared at American venues such as the Tanglewood Music Festival, Bravo! Vail Festival, La Jolla Music Society, Ravinia Festival, to name a few.
Born in Princeton, New Jersey to parents of European and Chinese descent; Steinway artists Christina and Michelle are graduates of the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music, where they were each awarded the Festorazzi Prize.