“Sombart’s playing is superb: technically precise but possessing a flexibility and freedom that lets the music breathe.” (The Observer, 2016)
Born in Strasbourg, Elizabeth Sombart started studying the piano at seven and gave her first public performance four years later. After receiving the National Piano and Chamber Music First Prize, she left France to study in Buenos Aires with Bruno-Leonardo Gelber and his mother. Her training was completed with great masters such as Peter Feuchtwanger in London, Hilde Langer-Rühl in Vienna, and finally Sergiù Celibidache at the University of Mayence, with whom she studied musical phenomenology for ten years.
Elizabeth has performed in the world’s most prestigious concert venues: Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Suntory Hall (Tokyo), Théâtre des Champs-Elysées (Paris). In addition to solo and chamber music recitals, she has played great piano concertos with L’Orchestre National de Lille and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Elizabeth has given piano masterclasses worldwide, and from a young age has sought to share classical music with the most diverse audiences possible, and with people from disadvantaged backgrounds. In 1988, she created Fondation Résonnance which is active today in seven countries.
Elizabeth has recorded extensively, published several books, and featured in a number of documentaries. She has recently appeared with tenor Andrea Bocelli by invitation in special gala concerts in Bucharest and Fatima. She has been honoured in France with the ranks of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite and Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for lifetime achievements and services to music.