Ethan Bortnick (born 24 December 2000 in Florida, USA) is a child prodigy pianist, composer, songwriter, actor, musician and one of the youngest philanthropists in the world.

History

Ethan began playing a keyboard at the age of three and was composing music by the age of five. He is able to play any song by ear.  He has performed with many well known artists and has been featured on many National and International television programs. He has helped raised record amounts of money for charities around the world, by performing, inspiring and educating.

Television appearances

On May 10, 2007, Bortnick's national television debut was on the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. On this show, he met Cameron Diaz and Nelly Furtado.

In 2007 Bortnick also appeared on such shows as The Martha Stewart Show, Good Morning America, Inside Edition, Access Hollywood, The Early Show.

On March 10, 2008, Bortnick appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for the second time. He appeared with Dominic Monaghan and Sheryl Crow.

On May 12, 2008, Bortnick appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The segment was titled "Oprah Presents the World's Smartest Kids". In the episode, Ethan told Winfrey that "We still have to stay humble."

On September 3, 2008, Bortnick appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, for the third time. He appeared with Billy Bob Thornton and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.

On October 11, 2008, Bortnick appeared on the Disney Channel, on the show Little Einsteins. Bortnick recorded music for the show and appeared, as himself, on the show.

On February 16, 2009, Bortnick appeared on the Australian television program Mornings with Kerri-Anne, where they surprised him by bringing out a koala. Bortnick instantly asked if the koala liked music, and jumped on the piano to perform a jazz piece for the koala.

On April 22, 2009, Bortnick appeared on Nickelodeon's show Yo Gabba Gabba as himself. Bortnick appeared on the Green episode, promoting Earth Day.

On May 13, 2009, Bortnick appeared on Canada AM and performed his song "Arctic Jazz".

On May 19, 2009, Bortnick appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for the fourth time. He appeared with Terry Bradshaw and Blink-182. Bortnick performed, singing and playing the piano, a song that he had written honoring Jay as "The King of Late Night." Bortnick wrote the music and lyrics to this tribute to Leno, as a present for his departure from the Tonight Show.

Live performances

Bortnick has performed both live and televised concerts, both national and international. He has performed and led symphony orchestras, and has opened Nelly Furtado's first show at the Hard Rock Arena. He has shared the stage with musicians such as Beyoncé, Natalie Cole, Nelly Furtado, Smokey Robinson, Gloria Gaynor, Patti Labelle and The Pointer Sisters. Bortnick recorded music for Disney’s Little Einsteins and is appearing on both Disney and Nickelodeon. Bortnick has performed multiple times for live audiences of over 20,000 people and has raised record money for charities.

On May 30, 2007, Bortnick opened Nelly Furtado's US tour at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. This was her first show in the United States on her tour.

On June 1, 2008, Bortnick performed a full concert with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, under the musical direction of Andrew Lane. He was 7 years old and was the youngest performer to ever perform as the piano soloist with the Naples Orchestra.

On October 4, 2008, Bortnick performed to raise money for the Miami Children's Hospital foundation's Diamond Ball and Concert, featuring Beyoncé Knowles, Smokey Robinson, and Gloria Gaynor at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, FL. A record $12 million was raised for the Foundation.

On September 15, 2008, Bortnick became the youngest co-host for the Chabad Telethon. With Bortnick co-hosting this live telethon, seen by millions of viewers, the telethon raised a record $8 million in one night.

On October 23, 2008, Bortnick performed for OneXOne to help raise money to help fight hunger, health issues and preserve the lives of children locally and globally. Matt Damon held an auction at the event with Ethan and Josh Groban. Other performers and celebrities included Santana, David Arquette, Josh Groban, and Wyclef Jean.

On January 6, 2009, Bortnick performed at a dinner hosted by Nancy Pelosi to honor the swearing in of the 111th United States Congress. Bortnick was the only performer the entire night.

On January 10, 2009, and January 11, 2009, Bortnick performed with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra under the musical direction of Andrew Lane. He was 8 years old and was the youngest performer to ever perform as the piano soloist with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

On February 4, 2009, Bortnick performed at a fundraiser benefiting the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation with renowned chef Emeril Lagasse. Bortnick performed a song he wrote for Lagasse entitled “Bam — Kick It up a Notch” and presented the chef with the song’s lyrics.

On February 16, 2009, Bortnick performed in Sydney, Australia. The reaction and reviews were extremely favorable, with reviews stating "Within minutes Ethan... had the audience laughing with his wit and sense of timing.... He has a unique mix of charisma, talent and good sense of humour, and therefore it was phenomenal to see someone of that age able to play piano with such skill and also entertain the crowd.."

On March 3, 2009, Bortnick performed with his friend Mark Rivera, who has been a featured member of Billy Joel's band since 1982 and has toured the world with John Lennon, Peter Gabriel, Simon & Garfunkel, The Eagles, and was Ringo Starr's musical director. Bortnick and Rivera performed, the day after the kickoff of Billy Joel's and Elton John's Face-to-Face Tour. The performance was in an inner city school to inspire young kids not to get discouraged and find their special gift to the world. The reviews of this performance were as follows: "Ethan stole the show. He's not only an exceptional musical prodigy, but he's charming and self assured. He easily established a rapport with his audience and told jokes. He had the... school students spellbound with his charisma and poise.... After a few minutes on stage, I didn't think of him as a kid but a very short adult. His adult body language is uncanny.... It was amazing to watch him play with those tiny hands, stretching to form the chords. But he does it with ease and advanced facility with style."

On March 27, 2009 and March 28, 2009, Bortnick performed at Muhammad Ali's event to help raise money in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and other charities. This event was held over two nights. Bortnick performed both nights. Bortnick, after finding out about the event, composed and wrote a song for Muhammad Ali, entitled "The Champ". After performing the first night, Ali embraced Ethan and everyone began singing "The Champ" with Ethan on stage (unplanned). Forrest Whitaker, Josh Groban, Reba McEntire, David Foster, Jordin Sparks and many others went on stage and sang this to Ali.

On April 27, 2009, Bortnick performed at a private event at the Fontainebleau Hotel backed by members of Billy Joel's band. Bortnick performed with Mark Rivera, Tommy Byrnes, Chuck Burgi, Andy Cichon, and David Rosenthal. Other performers that night included Howie Mandel and Katy Perry.

On July 12, 2009, Bortnick opened for Sir Elton John, Gladys Knight and Tony Bennett. This event was to raise money for the Starkey Hearing Foundation and was hosted by Billy Crystal.

On September 13, 2009, Bortnick performed at a private dinner to help raise funds for OneXOne. In attendance were President Bill Clinton, Matt Damon, Elvis Costello and many others. At the event, President Clinton said "Maybe if I get really lucky young Ethan Bortnick will play for me another song or two", which Bortnick did.

On September 16, 2009, Bortnick performed, as the sole entertainer, for the Annual Benefit Event of American Friends of Lubavitch, one of the premier evenings on the Washington Social calendar. Attendees included Ambassador Nancy Goodman Brinker,Congressman John Lewis, Senator Joe Lieberman, Senator Arlen Specter and many others. Reviews of Bortnick's performance said "... highlight of the evening was certainly the phenomenal entertainment by... Ethan Bortnick.... There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when he dedicated “G-d Bless America”...."

On October 12, 2009, Bortnick was the headline performer at Nokia Theater at LA Live. He is the youngest performer, at 8 years old, to Headline his own show at LA Live. His, almost 2 hour show was backed by members of Billy Joel's band. Bortnick performed with Mark Rivera, Tommy Byrnes, Chuck Burgi, Andy Cichon, and David Rosenthal. Over 4,000 people were in attendance. This event that was sponsored by NAHC and Ethan wrote a new composition for the group, which he performed, name "A Hug Song". The president of NAHC wrote a letter to Ethan with comments such as "..one of the best experiences of my life..", "your showmanship was second to none..","..could only be described as a tour de force..". The following day, as part of the NACH events, Ethan dined with Colin Powell and a few other members of the NACH.

On October 22, 2009, Bortnick performed for OneXOne to help raise money to help fight hunger, health issues and preserve the lives of children locally and globally. Ethan opened the show for such musical acts as Josh Groban, Santana, and Snow Patrol. During Ethan's performance, he dedicated a song he wrote, called "It's for the Kids". Others that enjoyed Ethan's performance were Charlize Theron, Jeremy Piven, Mia Hamm, Laila Ali and many more

On October 24, 2009. Bortnick opened for Josh Groban at a private event in San Francisco. Ethan performed for 45 minutes and then Josh performed for 60 minutes.

We are the World - 25 for Haiti

On February 1st, 2010 Ethan became the youngest artist to record with some 70 artists, the song We are the World - 25 for Haiti. This was the 25th anniversary of the original recording. Produced by Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie and others, this new recording will help the country of Haiti. Ethan, at age 9, was the youngest artist and recorded the song with the following artists Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion,Miley Cyrus,Jonas Brothers,Harry Connick Jr.,Justin Bieber,Carlos Santana,Pink,Will.i.am, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, LL Cool J, Robin Thicke,Akon, Rob Thomas, Wyclef Jean, Jeff Bridges, Vince Vaughn, Jordin Sparks, Good Charlotte's Madden brothers, Tony Bennett, Josh Groban, Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Hudson, Keri Hilson, Jamie Foxx, Tyrese, Katharine McPhee, Sean Garrett,Brandy, Melanie Fiona, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton, Jason Mraz, Busta Rhymes, Nicole Scherzinger, Nicole Richie, Julianne Hough, Raphael Saadiq, Zac Brown Band, India.Arie, Randy Jackson, Musiq Soulchild, Heart's Ann  and Nancy Wilson, Fonzworth Bentley, Kid Cudi, Iyaz, Bizzy Bone, Nipsey Hussle, the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson and Al Jardine, Trey Songz, Faith Evans, Mya and Gladys Knight.

The song premiered Friday, February 12 , during the opening ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Radio appearances

Ethan has been interviewed by many local, national and international Radio Stations. Some notable appearances are listed below:

On December 20, 2008, Bortnick was a guest on the NPR's Weekend Edition Program. Listeners wrote into NPR with comments such as "This interview was one of the most enjoyable of the year."

Charities

One of Bortnick’s strong desires is to help people with his music, especially children. The reaction he gets and the money he raises at charities is significant and in some cases record breaking. Below are some examples of who he has helped recently:

Miami Children’s Hospital
OneXone
Celebrity Fight Night (Muhammad Ali event)
The Starkey Hearing Foundation
Boys and Girls Club
American Heart Association
Kids in Distress
"Heart 4 Heart” Foundation
Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation
Lili Claire Foundation
Children in the Arts
Our Daily Bread Mission
Unicorn Children’s Foundation
Free the Children
White Knight Foundation
We Are the World 25th Anniversary for Haiti