A native New Yorker, Michael Louis Cherry displayed extraordinary talent as a pianist from the age of five. He graduated from The High School of Music and Art and went on to earn both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Music and Composition from The Manhattan School of Music in New York City. In 1979, he was awarded the BMI Young Composers Award. Since his recital debut in 1983 at the International Tanzwerkstatt in Bonn, Germany, Mr. Cherry has remained active throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia, both as a solo concert pianist and as a featured performer with orchestras. Performing with “profound involvement and sensitivity” to enthusiastic audiences, Mr. Cherry has had the honor of appearing at the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces Nobel Peace Prize Celebration, PBS’s Performances from the White House (2006), Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, and many other prestigious venues.

For over 45 years, Mr. Cherry has also been a dedicated collaborator with the art of dance, establishing himself as one of the most resourceful and sought-after pianists in the world of classical ballet. He has served as a prolific class and rehearsal accompanist for numerous world-renowned institutions, including American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ballet Hispánico, and the Limón Dance Company.

Cherry’s discography includes nine albums as principal pianist and accompanist, produced in collaboration with notable figures such as Ballet Master David Howard, Ballet Mistress Antonniette Pelosi, his long-time piano teacher William Daghlian, and JazzHead Records. On March 31, 2023, Cherry released Music for Ballet Class: Looking Through the Rainbow, produced by Farin Kautz and executive producer Gleidson Hoffmann. This release marked the beginning of an ambitious series of eight albums and performances scheduled through 2023–2024.

These projects reflect Cherry’s enduring innovation and devotion to the fusion of music and ballet, promising to captivate and inspire dancers, musicians, and audiences alike. Albums in the series include Music For Ballet Class: New York Excelsior (May 15, 2023), Musical Jewels from Bach To Bartók (July 15, 2023), Shades of Blue with classical singer Steven Su (September 1, 2023), Music for Ballet Class: Women’s Pointe Work (October 2023), and Music for Ballet Class: Men’s Work (November 2023), followed by a series of recordings tailored for children from primary through grade levels.

On Sunday, June 16, 2024, Michael Louis Cherry presented his highly anticipated recital, Michael Cherry: Piano Jewels from Bach to Bartók, at Merkin Hall. The performance was a tremendous success, transporting the audience through the genius of Bach, the emotional depth of Beethoven, the poignant lyricism of Schumann, the brilliance of Liszt, and the rhythmic fire of Bartók. It was an unforgettable evening of inspiration and sublime musicality, further solidifying Mr. Cherry’s reputation as a master pianist.