Pianist Manuel Laufer has appeared as recitalist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician in North America, South America, and Europe. He has participated as a collaborator in the Songfest Professional Program, the Franz-Schubert-Institut at Baden-bei-Wien, and the Orford Arts Centre Summer Academy. An enthusiastic proponent of contemporary music, he has presented world premieres in such prestigious venues as Merkin Hall and Le Poisson Rouge in New York City, and the ATEMPO Festival in Caracas, Venezuela. Manuel holds degrees in Piano Performance from McGill University and University of California, Irvine, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Piano Studies at New York University.