The concert pianist Michael Ponti is dead. The internationally renowned musician died on Monday at the age of 84 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, as his son Maximilian Ponti confirmed to the German Press Agency on Tuesday. Ponti was known for his interpretation of works by Sergei Rachmaninoff and Peter Tchaikovsky. He also made a name for himself with numerous premiere recordings of lesser-known composers. Ponti recorded more than 80 records.
Ponti was born as the son of an American couple in Freiburg im Breisgau. He spent his childhood and youth in the USA. As a student in Washington, he received piano lessons for ten years. In 1955 the family returned to Germany, where Ponti completed his studies at the Frankfurt Music Academy. His career began with winning the Busoni competition in Bozen in 1964.
