Biography Praised for “beautiful performances of great warmth” (Classical Voice of North Carolina), Michael Delfín captures the listener with sensitivity and flair as a versatile performer of historical and modern keyboard instruments. Michael won the top prize ex aequo in the Ninth Jurow International Harpsichord Competition, shortly after being nominated to the Diapason 20 Under 30 Class of 2021. As a pianist, Mr. Delfin has won prizes in the International Crescendo Music Awards, Chautauqua International Piano Competition, and two consecutive concerto competitions at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Recent performances include recitals for the Ear Taxi New Music Festival, The Stone, the Iowa City Early Keyboard Society, and the Western Early Keyboard Association, and solo appearances with Lyra Baroque, Bourbon Baroque, the CCM Concert Orchestra, and the American Chamber Symphony. Mr. Delfin’s advocacy for new music has led to numerous world premieres across the United States to rave reviews. He recently collaborated with mezzo-soprano Leandra Ramm on an album of contemporary art song for Ablaze Records. Mr. Delfín is the artistic director of Bama Baroque and Cincinnati-based ensemble Seven Hills Baroque. Before joining of the faculty at University of Alabama as an instructor of early keyboard, he taught piano at Cedarville University and has taught harpsichord and chamber music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He was also recently appointed to the Early Music America’s Emerging Professional Leadership Council and the Historical Keyboard Society of North America’s board of directors. He makes his home with his wife Anne and their son Teddy in Tuscaloosa, where he serves as organist at the Grace Presbyterian Church. A native of Fresno, CA, Dr. Delfín holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, San Francisco Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, and the Johns Hopkins University, and his mentors include Awadagin Pratt, Yoshikazu Nagai, Boris Slutsky, Michael Unger, and Carol Oaks. www.michaeldelfin.com About the Harpsichord Teddi Robertson created this instrument based on a two-manual harpsichord crafted by Benoist Stehlin in Paris in the year 1760. The instrument showcases intricate woodwork and delicate decorative elements characteristic of 18th-century French craftsmanship. The harpsichord is elegantly designed with a blend of rich tones and ornate details, reflecting the craftsmanship of the renowned Parisian maker from that era. The lid painting is based on an anonymous pastoral painting of the Baroque era, c. 1720-40. The tail end of the lid was inspired by a landscape photograph and the artists’ imagination. Thea Robertson collaborated on this entire project from the first cut of wood to the final brush stroke painting as well as stringing, voicing, and tuning. The temperament used is Neidhardt Kleine Stadt 1732, A=415 Hz.