Rebecca Wilt
Established
Music: Solo Recital
Newark
"My artistic philosophy: to create meaningful, inclusive experiences that inspire audiences to listen – and think – more expansively."
Work Samples
About the Artist
Written by Gail Obenreder
Rebecca Wilt began her piano lessons at an early age, and “by the time I was in high school, I knew that I wanted to be a professional pianist.” Since she loved working with other artists, vocalists, and instrumentalists, she chose “the collaborative piano route.” Over the course of a substantial career, Wilt has worked nationally and internationally, and she’s often on the road for several months each year.
Wilt was born and lived her entire childhood in a very small Minnesota town, where music was a part of everyday life. Her father was the band director (and town mayor), and he encouraged the young musician to do whatever it is that she wanted, so Wilt “pursued my passion out of the gate.” She studied vocal performance and piano, graduating from college in Iowa and earning a Master of Music degree from the University of Illinois.
She first took a position at Michigan’s renowned Interlochen Arts Academy and “was fortunate to meet some influential musicians,” beginning the three-decade artistic and academic career that would take her worldwide. Wilt has appeared at two dozen festivals and conferences and taught at six universities. She and her husband moved to The First State in 2019, and she soon took a position at the University of Delaware as a collaborative pianist and vocal coach. There, she continued the work that has always been important to her – “a desire to champion underrepresented voices and reshape the traditional concert experience.”
Wilt is currently developing a recital project titled Voices Unveiled: Music in Word and Image that will feature women performing works composed by women. Ranging from historic musical pioneers to living composers, and also highlighting literary connections, this performance will “honor the lineage of women in music while amplifying those shaping its present and future.”
Believing that “inspiration comes from within,” Wilt finds that she has been greatly enriched by her worldwide travels, reminded that “people are the same everywhere.” She is also constantly inspired by the “unconditional love” of her dogs and by her mother, “the kindest person I know.” She has found that though there are many talented artists, it’s those who are “kind, loving, and supportive” that feature most importantly in her work and life.
Because Wilt is married and the couple has dogs, she finds that work “away from home for a longer period of time” can be difficult. And another current challenge is felt throughout the music world: As the arts are taking a “financial hit,” many of the chamber music series and college concerts that have sustained her career “have seen their budgets cut or been eliminated.” But she continues to be rewarded by “watching people smile at a concert” or speaking to excited children after a performance, “encouraging them to stay true to themselves.”
Wilt loves to travel, and the scope of her work has taken her to over 30 countries so far. She’s also an avid gardener, and she was a golf champion in her youth. Though she doesn’t have much time to play now, she is hoping to revive her game in the near future.
The Division’s Fellowship will allow her to meet more of the state’s “fabulous musicians” and continue work on her solo recital. The award will also help Wilt expand her ongoing search for new repertoire, particularly pieces for more than one artist, as she continues her mission of bringing attention to female composers past and present.