Praised for his exciting pianism and sensitive artistry, John Owings' versatile career has ranged from solo and chamber music recitals to concerto appearances in major cities in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. His critically acclaimed CD recordings include piano music by Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Elliott Carter, Robert Casadesus, and Julius Reubke, as well as chamber music by Eric Ewazen, Richard Lavenda, Quincy Porter, and Elena Sokolowski.
A native of San Antonio, Mr. Owings received his formal training at the University of Texas, the Royal College of Music in London, and the Juilliard School, where his teachers were Rosina Lhevinne and Martin Canin. His other teachers have included Géza Anda, Dalies Frantz, Karl Leifheit, and Wilhelm Kempff.
Gold medalist of the Robert Casadesus International Piano Competition in Cleveland, Mr. Owings also won the Vianna da Motta International Competition in Lisbon, the London Liszt Society Competition, and the Musical Arts Competition in Chicago.
An experienced chamber music performer, Mr. Owings has collaborated with many distinguished musicians, including violinists Fritz Gearhart and Nicholas Kitchen, and cellists Carlos Prieto and Misha Quint. With his colleagues Misha Galaganov (viola) and Gary Whitman (clarinet), the ensemble Trio Con Brio has commissioned and premiered new works by over a dozen living composers, and recorded the CD A Musical Celebration, featuring works written for them by Elena Sokolowski and Eric Ewazen.
A dedicated teacher, Mr. Owings' students have won national and international competitions and have successful careers as performers and educators. He has given masterclasses in the United States, England, Italy, Colombia, Peru, China, Korea, and Japan. He has been a guest artist at InterHarmony, MusicFest Perugia, Bucaramanga, the Round Top Festival, and PianoTexas International Academy and Festival.
From 1990 to 2023, John Owings was Professor of Music and Chair of the Piano Division at Texas Christian University, where he received the school's highest honor – the Chancellor's Award – in recognition of his performances of the 32 Beethoven Piano Sonatas. Six sonatas from these live performances have been released on a CD.