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Gillian Berkowitz
- New York City, NY
- Pianist
- Travels up to 10 miles
- Contact for rates
Overview
An elegant jazz and classical pianist for any special occasion.
Gillian provides beautiful music with an exquisite ambiance for any occasion. Whether you are seeking classical genres from Mozart to Hisaishi, standards from Ella and Frank to Michael Buble', Bossa Nova, Broadway favorites, or contemporary hits from yesterday and today, she tailors the event seamlessly.
Gillian Berkowitz is also a Broadway Music Director and pianist who has performed in over 50 Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. Currently performing on Broadway in Hamilton and Some Like It Hot.
Options include trio/duo instrumentation, Rat Pack style vocalist with piano or band.
41 Reviews
After agreeing to book Gillian for our corporate event, she did not disappoint! Such a lovely, friendly and flexible musician. She played beautifully and entertained our guests all night. I won't be hesitating to book Gillian again for our next event. Thank you so much!
Pianist
Gillian has that unique combination of outrageously gifted musician and affable entertainer where she adapts her style to a wide variety of environments. From a whimsically fun party to a more serious corporate event, she tunes her ear beyond the music and into the souls of her audience.
Michael George
CEO | Continuum
Classical Pianist, Pianist, Jazz Pianist
We enjoyed Gillian Berkowwitz’s performance.
Pianist
Gillian is amazing! I’ll definitely be working with her again :)
Keyboard Player
Gillian joined our 8-person band for a community music event where she played piano on 17 songs across folk, soft rock, pop, country, R&B and Motown. She has terrific musicality and blended well with the other musicians and added skillful florishes strategically. She was on time and professional. She was very friendly and collegial and seemed like she had been with the the band for years though this was her first time with us.
We look forward to working with her again.
Pianist
It is hard to give enough credit and kudos to Gillian as she exceeded our expectations in every way. She arrived on time, elegantly dressed and an accomplished pianist beyond our wildest dreams! Can’t wait to hire her again!
Pianist
Gillian was truly a blessing to have on my side as I prepared to propose to my girlfriend. I contacted her with an unusual request of putting on a 'fake off-Broadway show'. Not only did she not shy away from the challenge, but she was engaged and proactive in keeping my best interests in mind while putting on the best performance. She sourced the actors, planned the entire performance (even down to writing the music), held dress rehearsals and keep constant communication throughout the entire process. I am not an artistically inclined person; Gillian was the expert I needed to make my special day a reality. She tailored the performance to be exactly what I needed while maintaining a certain flair only theater professionals can produce. The performance had no hiccups, no moments of uncertainty and no stress leading into the event. If I did not hire Gillian, the day would not nearly been as spectacular as it was. My fiancée and I are eternally grateful and extremely fortunate to have found Gillian for this event. If I could give 6 stars, I would.
Broadway Style Entertainment, Classical Duo, Classical Pianist, Holiday Entertainment, Keyboard Player, Musical Theatre, Pianist
Ms. Berkowitz was engaged to play for the launch party of a new opera company in New York City. I could not have been more pleased with her performance. Many guests also commented very favorably as well. If there is another opportunity, I will hire her without the slightest hesitation and suggest you do the same.
Pianist
Gillian played amazing and was an extremely pleasant person. Can’t wait to host another event, just so I can hire Gillian.
Pianist
Gillian is a lovely person who plays the piano like a dream. She was also incredibly easy to work with. She went back and forth with us on the set list for our home concert multiple times, found a vocalist who was exactly what we were hoping for, and was extremely accessible throughout. What a treat that our whole family will remember for a long time.
Broadway Style Entertainment, Classical Duo, Classical Pianist, Holiday Entertainment, Musical Theatre, Pianist
I would definitely hire Gillian and her ensemble in the future! The cocktail hour was complete with the musical trio. Exactly what I asked for and attire was top notch as well!
Keyboard Player, String Trio
Gillian and Taylor were so east to work with and skilled musicians. My wife's surprise 80th birthday party was even more memorable because of them. Gillian is the very best.
Broadway Style Entertainment
We hired Gillian to perform for our wedding ceremony and reception. Gillian's 3-piece jazz combo (piano, guitar, bass) played the reception. She solicited requests from us (including our first dance) which were tastefully incorporated. The pop songs we requested were all carefully re-arranged for the trio and sounded great.
For the ceremony, we requested an obscure-ish Mendelssohn sonata for piano and clarinet. At ~25 minutes of music, this was a bit unusual for a wedding ceremony but Gillian took it in stride with enthusiasm. She searched for, found, and hired a clarinetist, arranged multiple rehearsals, and they played beautifully. Gillian has a wide repertoire and helped us to round out the ceremony music with her suggestions.
Gillian's talent, professionalism, and enthusiasm are a rare combo. From the beginning she committed herself to our vision, and I doubt that anyone else could have made it happen.
Classical Pianist, Jazz Band
Absolutely incredible! A huge thank you to Gillian & team for helping make our day so special. We hired them to do our ceremony and cocktail hour. They were extremely accommodating and had great recommendations. They absolutely nailed our song requests for the ceremony!
String Trio, Pianist
We hired Gillian as our pianist for cocktail hour at our wedding. Once I reached out to her on GigSalad, I was immediately followed up with and we had a wonderful phone call. I let her know my vision and she was incredibly sweet and informative. I knew right after our call that we needed to hire her! Her performance was exactly what we were looking for with a mix of Frank Sinatra and Contemporary Hits. She was professional and gracious and we couldn't have been happier!
Keyboard Player
Thank you Gillian for providing the perfect atmosphere for our
Brunch Reunion Party. Your talented playing contributed to make this event Special.
Keyboard Player, Pianist
Gillian was amazing. Great communication and able to play a variety of music and my suggestions. Couldnt have gone better. Thanks Gillian!
Pianist
Super responsive and very talented. Would highly recommend!
String Trio
She cares about giving her best for what you need, she’s super talented and kind,amazing! I recommend for sure!
Musical Theatre, World Music, Pianist
Response from Gillian Berkowitz:
It was such a pleasure! Thank you again!
Gillian is a true professional and a must for your event. She brought talent and class to our wedding venue. Our highest recommendation.
Pianist
The members of my country club absolutely loved her. She is a wonderful and talented player and I would not hesitate to have her at the club again.
Keyboard Player
Can’t say enough about Gillian!… I wanted to surprise my parents in Boston with a special piano performance for their 60th Anniversary, and Gillian was the perfect musician for the job. I knew after talking to her that my parents were going to love her, not only for her gifted piano playing, but for her warm, welcoming, and sweet personality … and she certainly delivered. Thx again Gillian for helping to make my parents’ major milestone anniversary, something extra special!
Pianist
Response from Gillian Berkowitz:
It was such a pleasure and honor to be there. Thank you again Doug!
We are so blessed to have Gillian play for us at our Wedding Reception. She was a pleasure to work with and very accommodating. Gillian is truly a rare talent and her repertoire of music is extensive. She played everything we desired, requests and so much more. Her music was the perfect ambience to our perfect day.
Gillian, Thank you so very much for everything! Emily & Steve
Keyboard Player
Response from Gillian Berkowitz:
It was a true pleasure, and thank you for having me there! Emily and Steve, wishing you the best.
I'm so happy Gillian happened to be in the area and available for a surprise marriage proposal I had planned.
Gillian is very professional, responsive, thoughtful, and talented. She worked with me to ensure everything was planned out perfectly for the big day. Her playing is breathtaking. She read the room so well, and adapted her playing to the match and anticipate the environment. It was so special and beautiful having Gillian play during the proposal - my fiancé and I wish we could do it all over again and again.
10/10 would recommend and book Gillian for future events.
-Andrew
Pianist
Response from Gillian Berkowitz:
It was such an honor and pleasure! Thank you so much again and congratulations!
Due to all the changes that go along with planning a wedding during covid, I asked Gillian to be apart of our wedding day ceremony with less than a week's notice. She jumped right on board and made the day magical. Her music was absolutely perfect, and she was so kind and professional. I am so thankful for you, Gillian. I give my highest recommendation!
Pianist
Gillian, was amazing to work with! We had about one week to plan a wedding and she was very accommodating, she sounded great, and I would recommend her in an instant!
Pianist
Gillian was a professional through and through and played beautiful music for our cocktail hour. I ran into her in the bathroom and she was so kind and warm to me as well. Highly recommend!
Classical Pianist
Easy to work with, turnkey operation. Extremely organized, communicative, accommodating. Made the entire experience a joy. Would hire again again and again!!!
Pianist
Response from Gillian Berkowitz:
The pleasure was ours. Thank you again Stephen!
Gillian was exceptional. We hired her as a pianist for our senior home's monthly birthday party and the residents loved her! She brought along a friend, a wonderful vocalist, and together put on an amazing upbeat performance. They had our seniors singing along and remembering the good times. We'd love to have Gillian again soon.
Broadway Style Entertainment, Pianist
I hired Gillian's string trio to play at my mom's apartment as a surprise for her 80th birthday. Gillian and the musicians were happy to collude in the surprise and very attentive to the surrounding details. According to my (fussy) mom, the music was wonderful and the musicians warm and kind. Highly recommend!
Classical Ensemble
Response from Gillian Berkowitz:
Thank you Deb! It was a pleasure to be part of this happy occasion and for such a lovely person!
Gillian Berkowitz’s playing at our October event was wonderful and a perfect accompaniment to the reception. She is a talented pianist with a wide and varied selection. Equally important, she provided exceedingly professional, responsive and quick work assembling the string trio we used, including considerable research on specific selections. High recommendations from this client.
Classical Ensemble, Pianist
Gillian was fantastic. She took the event to a whole other level. She was definitely the key component in making it a memorable evening.
Pianist
Gillian is the most thoughtful and creative musical artist ever. It was beyond a blessing having her play our wedding ceremony. She was collaborative, quick on her feet, and often knew what we wanted before we did! Do yourself the best favor possible and hire Gillian. Right now. When you're stressed and flustered from all the decisions that come with life-altering events like getting married, this is a no-brainer.
Pianist, Violinist
Gillian was fantastic to work with. She was prompt on all communications, very professional, and even knew how to play songs for our wedding that I thought were more obscure. She helped to select the right songs for the ceremony and even got on a call to play certain songs so I can make my decision more easily. There were also no issues the day of of the wedding - her and the violinist showed up on time and played beautifully!
Classical Pianist, Violinist
Response from Gillian Berkowitz:
Thank you so much Janet and Dustin! We were thrilled to be there with you and congratulations again!
Gillian was amazing at our product shoot. Her piano skills were not only approaching perfection, she also went above and beyond to make the shoot interesting and fun. 10/10 would recommend and can't wait to work with her again in the future.
Musical Theatre, Pianist
From the the first contact I had with Gillian I knew that I had found someone special to be a part of our wedding ceremony. She is incredibly quick to respond and offers great recommendations for music/set up logistics/timing, which was very helpful since we were planning an outdoor ceremony. I truly appreciated how open and flexible Gillian was allowing us to choose our own songs and learned one just for us which she played with extreme talent! She not only played flawlessly for us and our guests, but she also added a wonderful presence to our ceremony through her grace and warm demeanor that guests have continued to comment on. I would hire Gillian again in an instant!
Pianist
I live in Texas and wanted to plan a surprise proposal in Central Park with a violinist and keyboard player. I had no idea how to make it happen. I went to Gig Salad, Gillian contacted me and made it all work! She was truly amazing!! She picked out the spot, played the songs I chose beautifully and made my proposal to the love of my life unforgettable! It could not have been any better!! I highly recommend Gillian for any event!
Keyboard Player, Violinist
Gillian is a talented pianist who was very easy to work with and able to read the mood and tone of our event very quickly. Additionally she was very flexible with music choice and charming to all our guests. She was a wonderful pianist and excellent addition to our event. We would hire again without a moment's thought.
Pianist, Jazz Pianist
Gillian was perfect. She knew exactly what we wanted for the party with little direction.Not only was her performance excellent, she is also a delight.
We look forward to having her at our next event.
Pianist
Gillian Berkowitz is a professional! She has the ability to fit into the occasion seamlessly...whether it be a sophisticated dinner party or a boisterous anniversary celebration. She has truly enhanced the events I've hosted with a wide repertoire, a beautiful playing style and a delightful personality. Gillian is a find.
Jazz Band
Gillian's music made my event so festive and memorable. She played all of our favorite songs from pop to Broadway. She was engaging with all of the guests, young and old.
It was a pleasure to work with her and I would gladly hire her again for another party.
Jazz Band
Booking Info
Price Range: Contact for rates
What to Expect
Provides a polished, sophisticated experience. Various musical styles and choices of ensemble size to fit any occasion from solo artist to duo/trio to full band including vocals.
Professional portable keyboard with amplification also offered and can be placed anywhere indoors/outside regardless of outlet.
Photo/video services are also available for proposals. We are seasoned musicians who strive to make each event seamless and beautiful.
About
GILLIAN BERKOWITZ/PIANIST
Currently Gillian is performing in Some Like It Hot on Broadway. Upcoming: Hamilton/Broadway. She was previously The Pianist for The Lehman Trilogy(Director Sam Mendes) on Broadway.
She performed The Lehman Trilogy in London's West End, and was also the alternate pianist for the US premiere of The Lehman Trilogy at the Park Avenue Armory, New York. Previous credits include (link hidden) Organist in Broadway's To Kill a Mockingbird, and Associate Conductor of Off Broadway's Avenue Q. She has performed piano, keyboard, accordion, and vocals in over 40 Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. Selected previous work includes Jersey Boys, Head Over Heels, Wicked, School of Rock, Mamma Mia!, Billy Elliot, and A Bronx Tale. Gillian Berkowitz has been featured as both a soloist and collaborator playing jazz, pop, classical, Latin, and theatre music in venues across New York City including 54 Below, Lincoln Center, Green Room 42, Town Hall, ,Birdland, Merkin Hall, City Winery, Le Poisson Rouge and both the Consulate General of Hungary and the Australian Consulate. She composes and performs with the Sheba Ensemble and is a pianist for Scarlett Entertainment and Honeydew Artists. Gillian Berkowitz is also an adjunct faculty member at Pace University.
Her two trios: City Swing Trio and Whitetail Trio perform for corporate and private events across New York and New England.
Past Booked Events
June 08, 2024 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
March 30, 2024 • 8:30pm - 9:15pm | Concert |
March 24, 2024 • 12:30pm - 2:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
March 09, 2024 • 7:30pm - 9:30pm | House Party |
December 14, 2023 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Hanukah Concert |
December 10, 2023 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Private concert |
December 08, 2023 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Dinner Party |
December 03, 2023 • 11:00am - 2:00pm | Wedding Engagement |
December 02, 2023 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Hamilton |
December 02, 2023 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Hamilton |
May 06, 2023 • 7:30pm - 9:30pm | Nonprofit Event |
April 08, 2023 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | House Party |
March 21, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Dinner Party |
December 17, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Cocktail Party |
December 17, 2022 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Christmas Party |
December 07, 2022 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Christmas Party |
December 03, 2022 • 8:30pm - 9:15pm | Birthday Party |
November 03, 2022 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm | Corporate Event |
October 21, 2022 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Reception |
September 10, 2022 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Anniversary Dinner |
July 22, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Reception |
June 25, 2022 • 5:00pm - 9:00pm | Wedding Reception |
June 04, 2022 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Reunion |
May 07, 2022 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Surprise |
May 05, 2022 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Personal Occasion |
March 25, 2022 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Studio Session |
December 10, 2021 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Birthday Party |
November 11, 2021 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Talent Competition |
November 05, 2021 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding |
October 23, 2021 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding |
October 22, 2021 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding |
October 16, 2021 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Wedding Reception |
October 03, 2021 • 5:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
August 28, 2021 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Dinner Party |
August 13, 2021 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Dinner Party |
July 11, 2021 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Concert |
July 10, 2021 • 12:00pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Reception |
June 25, 2021 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Restaurant/Bar Event |
June 20, 2021 • 11:30am - 3:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
June 18, 2021 • 6:30pm - 7:15pm | Birthday Party |
May 15, 2021 • 12:30pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Reception |
November 14, 2020 • 7:30pm - 9:30pm | Wedding Engagement |
August 08, 2020 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
March 28, 2020 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Reception |
December 28, 2019 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | To Kill A Mockingbird/Broadway |
December 26, 2019 • 1:00pm - 5:00pm | To Kill A Mockingbird/Broadway |
December 18, 2019–December 23, 2019 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | To Kill A Mockingbird-Broadway |
December 16, 2019 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Concert |
December 14, 2019 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Private Party |
December 12, 2019 • 7:00pm - 7:45pm | Christmas Party |
December 10, 2019 • 6:30am - 8:30am | Private Party |
December 07, 2019 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding |
November 17, 2019 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Concert |
October 27, 2019 • 4:00pm - 9:00pm | Wedding |
October 26, 2019 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Rehearsal Dinner |
September 21, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding |
July 26, 2019–August 31, 2019 • 7:00pm - 10:30pm | The Lehman Trilogy |
June 30, 2019 • 11:00am - 1:00pm | Wedding |
March 22, 2019–April 20, 2019 • 7:00pm - 10:30pm | The Lehman Trilogy |
February 09, 2019 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Birthday Party |
December 09, 2018 • 8:00pm - 9:30pm | Sheba Ensemble Concert@Or Olam NYC |
November 01, 2018 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Book Party |
September 15, 2018 • 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
July 19, 2018 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Birthday Party |
May 07, 2018 • 10:00am - 12:00pm | Concert |
May 05, 2018 • 7:00pm - 9:30pm | Birthday Party |
May 03, 2018 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Benefit |
December 12, 2017 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | A Bronx Tale |
December 09, 2017 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Apartment Concert |
November 29, 2017 • 5:00pm - 5:15pm | Birthday Party |
November 12, 2017 • 8:00pm - 10:00pm | Town Hall Benefit |
October 30, 2017 • 8:00pm - 10:30pm | Concert |
October 28, 2017 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
October 27, 2017 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Memorial Concert |
October 25, 2017 • 7:30pm - 10:30pm | Cocktail Party |
October 07, 2017 • 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 17, 2017 • 6:30pm - 10:30pm | Anniversary Party Plaza Hotel |
August 11, 2017 • 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Product Promotion |
July 01, 2017–July 25, 2017 • 7:00pm - 6:00pm | Music Academy ITL: Trentino Music Festival |
June 17, 2017 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
May 01, 2017 • 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Personal Occasion |
April 06, 2017 • 6:00pm - 8:15pm | Australian Consulate Event |
March 21, 2017 • 6:30pm - 10:30pm | Corporate Event |
March 04, 2017 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Bar Mitzvah |
February 01, 2017 • 7:30pm - 10:30pm | Private Party |
December 29, 2016 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
Set List
Partial Standards List:
What Is This Thing Called Love, C. Porter
When I Fall In Love, Heyman, Young
Satin Doll, Ellington
La Vie En Rose, Edith Piaf
How High The Moon, M. Lewis
It Don’t Mean a Thing, Ellington
Besame Mucho, Velazquez
Sunny Side of the Street, Mchugh/Fields
Embraceable you, Gershwin
I’m Beginning to see the light, Ellington
Autumn Leaves, Mercer
Lullaby of Birdland, G. Shearing
There Will Never Be Another You, Warren/Gordon
I Feel The Earth Move, Carole King
Someday my Prince Will Come, Churchhill
It Had To be You, Jones/Kahn
The Way You Look Tonight, Kerns, Field
Don't get around much anymore, Ellington
Lady be Good - George Gershwin
Bernie’s Tune - Bernie Miller
All the Things You Are - Jerome Kern
I can’t give you anything but love - Jimmy McHugh
Beyond the sea, Trenet
I Love You, C. Porter
Black Orpheus, Bonfi
But Not For Me, Gershwin
Sway, Ruiz
S'Wonderful, Gershwin
Putting on the Ritz - Irving Berlin
Accustomed To Her Face, Lerner/Lowe
Partial Brazilian List:
Triste
Corcovado (Quiet Nights)
Samba do verão (So Nice)
Garota do Ipanema ( The Girl from Ipanema)
Chega de Saudade (No More Blues)
Desafinado (Off Key)
Aguas de Marco (Waters of March)
Samba de uma nota so (One Note Samba)
How Insensitive
Partial Classical List:
Prelude in C Major, J.S. Bach
Claire De Lune, Debussy
Papillons, R. Schumann
Prelude C# Minor, Chopin
Prelude Eb Major, Rachmaninoff
Partial Contemporary List:
Don't Know Why, Norah Jones
When I Was Your Man- Bruno Mars
You are the sunshine of my Life, Stevie Wonder
Blackbird, Beatles
The Luckiest, Ben Folds
Many The Miles, Sara Bareilles
Your Song, Elton John
I Feel The Earth Move, Carole King
She's Got a Way, Billy Joel
New York State of Mind, Billy Joel
Make You Feel My Love, Bob Dylan
Chariot- Gavin DeGraw
You Know I'm No Good, Amy Winehouse
Forget You, Ceelo
Don't Stop Believin- Journey
Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Bob Crewe, Bob Gaudio
The Luckiest- Ben Folds
Partial Broadway:
For Good, Broadway Wicked
This is The Moment, F. Wildhorn
All I Ask Of You, A. L. Webber
Some Enchanted Evening, Rodgers and Hammerstein
Seasons of Love, Jonathan Larson
Some Other Time, Bernstein, Comden and Green
Winner Takes It All/Dancing Queen, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus,
Send In The Clowns, Sondheim
Getting To Know You, Rodgers and Hammerstein