A pioneer of the “monographic solo piano recital”, pianist and conductor Marc Ponthus frequently performs works of 20th-century leading avantgarde composers from the second half of the 20th century and dedicates his programs to Pierre Boulez, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Iannis Xenakis and others. Reviewing Mr. Ponthus performing works by Iannis Xenakis, Anne Midgette had this to say in the New York Times: “Mr. Ponthus approaches this music with all the brilliance and virtuosity it demands; he performed it with the manic intensity of a mad scientist at work.” (February 19, 2002)

A prolific recording pianist, Mr. Ponthus has recorded for Neuma Records, Lorelt Records and Bridge Records. Called “a fascinating listen” by the Gramophone, his recording of the Pierre Boulez: the Complete Music for Solo Piano was chosen Editor's Choice by the magazine in 2016. Reviewing this recording, critic Philip Clark said: “his pianism engaging fully with what this music can do, rather than just what it is.” (2016) Mr. Ponthus has performed extensively in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Founder and director of the Institute and Festival for Contemporary Performance at the Mannes School of Music in New York, Mr. Ponthus’ works also include conducting, staging, and directing. He has conducted the Lower Eastside Ensemble, the IFCP Ensemble and the Project Webern Orchestra in addition to staging and directing contemporary chamber operas. His experimental short films were chosen for official selections at international festivals including NewFilmMakers New York, IndyFest Film Awards, Revelation Perth International Film Festival, Northeast International Film Festival, among many others.

In 2001, Mr. Ponthus was awarded the Tanne Foundation Award for achievement in the arts for his effort in engaging the audience into direct contact with a work and its representation, as he confronts “the commodification of artistic expression.”

Mr. Ponthus said: “I believe music resonates throughout the full geography of esthetic thought, expanding into the very coalescence of esthetics and ethics, to radiate far towards uncharted territories.”