In 2015, Terry Eder founded Key Pianists, a recital series at Weill Recital Hall, with a mission to present seasoned artists to New York audiences—artists who might not otherwise have the opportunity to perform on a prominent stage in the city. A pianist herself, Ms. Eder perceived the need for a place in New York’s musical landscape for pianists who have something distinctive to say, and the desire and ability to communicate it. She envisioned a recital series where performers could present non-standard programs if they wished, sharing their unique musical affinities with appreciative and engaged audiences.

In his September 14, 2016 article Unlocking Beauty: A Conversation with Pianist Terry Eder, Founder of Key Pianists, writer Frank Daykin described the series this way: “Ms. Eder believes in the immediacy of the live concert experience, coupled with performers who possess not just great ability, but who also have charisma—the ability to create the chemistry of rapt attention among the audience.”

Ms. Eder has a rich and varied background in music (see About Featured Artists for more detail). Prior to producing Key Pianists, she and her husband, the architect Gene Kaufman, commissioned and produced Mila, Great Sorcerer, an opera by Andrea Clearfield with libretto by Jean-Claude van Itallie and Lois Walden, which was performed at the John Jay Theater as part of the Prototype Festival in January 2019. She also curated a series of varied performances of music, theater, dance at their former pop-up gallery, North of History, on the Upper West Side.

In addition to her musical career, Ms. Eder holds a law degree and has practiced in various areas of the legal field. She served on the President’s Advisory Council at Oberlin College and Conservatory during the tenure of President Marvin Krislov, and currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Leschetizky Association.