Lise Davidsen

A Vocal Phenomenon Lighting Up the Opera World

Top Classical, June 2022
In the world of opera, certain voices possess an uncanny ability to captivate audiences, transcending time and space with their sheer brilliance. Lise Davidsen, the Norwegian lyric dramatic soprano, stands as one such vocal phenomenon, a prodigious talent whose meteoric rise is redefining the realms of possibility for young artists on the operatic stage. With a voice that evokes both awe and emotion, Davidsen’s journey is one of unparalleled artistry and promise.

Born in Stokke, Norway, in 1987, Lise Davidsen’s musical journey began with a profound connection to diverse genres as a guitarist and singer. Her passion and talent led her to the Grieg Academy of Music in Bergen, where she specialized in singing, setting the stage for the extraordinary vocal journey that would follow. Her pursuit of excellence led her to Copenhagen’s Royal Opera Academy, where she further honed her skills under the tutelage of masters in the field.

In 2015, Davidsen’s talents earned her two of the most esteemed accolades in the operatic world: victory at the Operalia and Queen Sonja singing competitions. These triumphs were the first resounding notes in a symphony of achievements that would follow. Her operatic debuts at illustrious venues like the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, Bayreuth, and Glyndebourne solidified her status as an artist of exceptional caliber.

One of the most notable testaments to Davidsen’s prowess came from Antonio Pappano, the esteemed music director of the Royal Opera House. Following her performance in “Fidelio,” he proclaimed, “The voice has a light in it.” It was a sentiment echoed by audiences and critics alike, who were left stunned by the radiance and depth of her voice.

Davidsen’s debut solo recording with Decca Classics in 2018 was not just an album; it was a sonic testament to her artistry. Accompanied by the Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, the album featured works by Strauss and Wagner, showcasing the remarkable versatility and emotional depth of her voice.

Her second studio album, released in February 2021, continued her journey of musical exploration. With works by Beethoven, Wagner, and Verdi, and the accompaniment of the London Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Sir Mark Elder, Davidsen further established herself as an interpreter of monumental musical legacies.

Davidsen’s impact on the opera world goes beyond the stages she graces and the recordings she delivers. She has rekindled the spirit of Scandinavian excellence on the classical scene, becoming the first artist from the region to sign with Decca Classics since legendary figures like Birgit Nilsson and Kirsten Flagstad. Her voice has been hailed as “once-in-a-generation” by Opera Magazine, a testament to the rarity and potency of her gift.

As Lise Davidsen’s journey unfolds, there is an overwhelming sense that we are witnessing the dawn of a new era in opera. With each note she sings, she forges a connection that transcends language, culture, and time, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who have the privilege of experiencing her art. As she continues to raise the bar and ignite excitement across opera houses and concert halls, one thing is clear: the world of music is forever changed by the luminous presence of Lise Davidsen.

David Garrett

David Garrett: An Elegant Musical Journey

Top Classical, April 2022
In the enchanting world of music, one name stands out like a luminary star – David Garrett. A virtuoso violinist, he and his instrument seem to merge into one harmonious entity. From the tender age of 4, when his father first introduced him to the violin, to his current status as a musical superstar, there has scarcely been a day without this precious instrument gracing his skilled hands. Throughout his illustrious career, Garrett has mesmerized audiences far and wide, from avid enthusiasts of Mozart and Beethoven to ardent fans of the Rolling Stones, Guns N’Roses, and icons like Prince and Michael Jackson. This Wednesday, the violin maestro will grace the stage at the Movistar Arena, and tickets for this captivating performance can be obtained on the stadium’s official site.

Hailing from Germany, David Garrett embarked on his public journey at a tender age of 10, and since then, his musical path has been as diverse as the audience that follows him. He has performed for distinguished personalities, including Angela Merkel, Barack Obama, and Queen Elizabeth II, and has graced renowned events such as the Formula 1 Championship and the Champions League Final. His artistry has flourished in the company of esteemed conductors like Zubin Mehta, Claudio Abbado, and Ricardo Chailly.

After an involuntary hiatus imposed by the pandemic, Garrett triumphantly returned to the stage with his latest crossover masterpiece, “Alive-My soundtrack.” In this intimate album, recorded during those challenging times, he revisits the compositions that hold a special place in his heart. “I sorely missed the joy of performing for a live audience,” he confesses. “There’s nothing quite like the connection you share with your listeners. It’s an irreplaceable feeling.”

David Garrett stands as a true pioneer of crossover music, a genre that skillfully melds classical melodies with various other styles. This revolutionary approach has opened the doors of classical music to fresh audiences, bridging the gap between different genres. “My journey to achieve this crossover finesse wasn’t swift; it evolved gradually over time,” Garrett reflects. “It required relentless dedication, just like my classical training. The fusion of genres demands a deep understanding of both worlds, and I achieved that through my rigorous studies at the Julliard Academy in New York. There, I not only honed my violin skills but also dived into the realm of composition. This gave me the freedom to express my musical soul fully, adding my personal touch to each performance, whether it be with an orchestra or my band.”

With a commitment to excellence, Garrett adheres to a strict practice regimen, starting each day with scales, Bach, and Paganini whims. For him, the journey to perfection is ongoing, and every concert is an opportunity to deliver the best performance of his life. “Every show is unique,” he explains, “some are sheer fun, others offer profound insights about myself and my artistry.”

The pandemic-induced hiatus also afforded Garrett an opportunity to explore new ventures. Amidst newfound free time, he penned his autobiography, delving into the memories that shaped his life and career. From the trials of his rigorous musical training in his youth to the doubts he encountered during adolescence, he shares his inspiring tale of perseverance and passion for music. “My hope is that my story can serve as an inspiration to others, encouraging them to pursue their musical dreams with unwavering dedication,” he affirms.

Within the pages of his autobiography lie poignant anecdotes, including one about an unfortunate mishap with his prized Giovanni Guadagnini violin from 1772. “After years of hard work, I finally paid off that exquisite violin,” he recounts. “As fate would have it, I stumbled on my way out of a concert, but thankfully, I remained unscathed. Alas, my beloved violin suffered a different fate.”

David Garrett’s musical journey continues to weave an enchanting tapestry of melodies that transcends boundaries and captivates the souls of his audience worldwide. As he graces the stage with his elegant presence, he leaves us in awe of his musical prowess and inspired by his unyielding passion for the art of sound.

Rafał Blechacz

A Musical Journey of Unparalleled Excellence

Top Classical, March 2022
In the world of classical piano, there are virtuosos, and then there is Rafał Blechacz—a pianist whose exceptional talent and remarkable journey have made him a true luminary in the realm of music. Born in Nakło nad Notecią, Poland, in 1985, Blechacz’s ascent to becoming one of the world’s most celebrated pianists is a testament to his profound dedication to the piano and his innate musical genius.

Blechacz’s piano journey began at the tender age of five, a testament to his early fascination with the instrument. He honed his skills at the Artur Rubinstein State Primary School of Music in Bydgoszcz under the guidance of Professor Jacek Polański. His prodigious talent and unwavering dedication paved the way for a remarkable musical career.

In 2007, Blechacz completed his piano studies at the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz, studying under the renowned Professor Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń. Even during his student years, he demonstrated extraordinary promise, earning accolades and honors in prestigious competitions. These included the 1st Prize and Grand Prix at the 13th Johann Sebastian Bach National Competition in Gorzów Wielkopolski (1996), and the 2nd Prize in the 5th Artur Rubinstein International Competition for Young Pianists in Bydgoszcz (2002). However, it was his victory in the 5th International Piano Competition in Hamamatsu, Japan, in 2003, that catapulted him into the global spotlight.

The defining moment in Blechacz’s career came in 2005 when he clinched the Gold Medal at the 15th International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. This triumph marked the start of a career that would see him perform on the world’s most illustrious stages and with the most eminent orchestras and conductors. His performances at renowned venues like Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Musikverein in Vienna, Berliner Philharmonie, and La Scala in Milan have left audiences in awe of his virtuosic command of the piano.

One of Blechacz’s most remarkable achievements was winning the Grand Prix, the Gold Medal, and all other possible awards at the Chopin Piano Competition, including distinctions for the best performance of mazurkas, polonaise, concerto, and sonata. This unprecedented achievement firmly established him as the preeminent interpreter of Chopin’s works of his generation. His affinity for Chopin’s music and his ability to convey its depth and emotion have garnered the admiration of music critics and audiences worldwide.

While Chopin remains central to Blechacz’s repertoire, he has continually expanded his horizons by delving into the works of other composers. His repertoire now includes pieces by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Brahms, Debussy, and Szymanowski. He has showcased his versatility through a series of albums released by Deutsche Grammophon, currently totaling five.

Among his acclaimed recordings, Blechacz’s album featuring Chopin’s Preludes was a resounding success, achieving platinum status in Poland within just two weeks of its release. His recording of Chopin’s Piano Concertos with the legendary Concertgebouw Orchestra and Jerzy Semkow was acclaimed by Gramophone magazine as the best orchestra in the world. His repertoire also includes sonatas of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, which he performed masterfully in another celebrated album.

Blechacz’s interpretation of Debussy and Szymanowski’s works garnered widespread recognition, earning him the prestigious Echo Klassik award in 2012 for the Best Solo Album of the Year. He received further accolades with his recording of Chopin’s seven grand polonaises, which achieved gold record status on its first day of release and won the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik for the best album in the category of Piano music in 2013.

In recognition of his remarkable achievements, Rafał Blechacz received the Premio Internazionale Accademia Musicale Chigiana award in 2010 and the coveted Gilmore Artist Award in 2014, often referred to as the “Piano Nobel.” This prestigious accolade provides financial support to exceptional artists and serves as a testament to Blechacz’s impact on the world of classical music.

Rafał Blechacz’s contribution to the world of classical piano extends far beyond his remarkable talent. He has been honored with the Cavalier’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta by the President of the Republic of Poland, underscoring his immense cultural significance and influence.

As a pianist, Rafał Blechacz possesses an exceptional blend of technical virtuosity, emotional depth, and profound musicality. His performances transport audiences to the heart of the music, creating a profound and lasting connection. With each note he plays, Blechacz continues to enrich the world of classical music and inspire a new generation of musicians and music lovers alike. His journey is a testament to the enduring power of artistry and the boundless possibilities of the piano.

Gautier Capuçon

A Journey of Musical Brilliance

Top Classical, February 2022
Gautier Capuçon, born in Chambéry in 1981, embarked on his musical odyssey at the tender age of five when he first laid hands on the cello. From these early beginnings, a remarkable tale of dedication, passion, and musical prowess unfolded. Capuçon’s journey through the world of classical music has been a symphony of achievements, earning him a place among the most celebrated cellists of our time.

His educational foundation was meticulously laid at the Conservatoire National Supérieur in Paris under the tutelage of eminent cellists Philippe Muller and Annie Cochet-Zakine. Later, he honed his craft under the guidance of Heinrich Schiff in Vienna, a city steeped in musical tradition. These formative years not only refined his technique but also nurtured his unique musical voice.

Even in his mid-twenties, Capuçon had already amassed a portfolio of accomplishments that most musicians can only dream of. His meteoric rise in the classical music scene was marked by accolades that heralded his exceptional talent. The prestigious ‘New Talent of the Year’ recognition by Victoires de la Musique in 2001 was a testament to his undeniable gift. This was swiftly followed by a Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award in 2004, a recognition that further solidified his place among the elite.

The Echo Klassik awards, bestowed upon him on multiple occasions, mirrored the consistent brilliance that Capuçon brought to his performances. These accolades, born out of his exceptional musicianship, resonated not only with fellow artists but also with audiences worldwide.

Capuçon’s engagements with world-renowned orchestras like the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, Chicago Symphony, and Concertgebouw Orchestra attested to his standing as a sought-after soloist. His performances were not mere recitals; they were captivating narratives woven through his deft fingers and his soulful connection to the music.

Yet, Gautier Capuçon’s artistry transcends the grand stages. He is equally at home as a recitalist and chamber musician, gracing revered halls and esteemed festivals across Europe. His collaborations with fellow luminaries illuminate the depth of his musical empathy and his ability to seamlessly meld his cello into intricate ensembles.

Beyond the accolades and stages, there’s an intimate relationship between Capuçon and his instrument. The 1701 Matteo Goffriller cello that he plays isn’t just a tool; it’s an extension of his expression. The harmonious union between artist and instrument elevates his performances, turning them into profound conversations with the audience.

Gautier Capuçon’s journey, though already illustrious, is far from complete. His dedication to his craft, his relentless pursuit of excellence, and his unwavering passion continue to propel him forward. His legacy is not just in the awards and honors he has garnered, but in the emotions he evokes, the stories he tells, and the moments he etches into the hearts of all who have the privilege of experiencing his music.

Yuja Wang

The “wonder woman” pianist

Top Classical, December 2021
Ever since pianist Yuja Wang came to international attention it was clear that she’s a serious young artist with more to her formidable talent than jaw-dropping technique. Praised for her charisma and captivating stage presence, acclaimed by the public and valued by critics since her debut, Yuja Wang is a whirlwind of energy and assured virtuosity on the keyboard who breaks the stereotypes of classical music with brilliant, fresh and astonishing piano recitals.

Yuja Wang was born in Beijing and encouraged to make music at a young age by her dancer mother and percussionist father. She began piano lessons at the age of six, and her progress was accelerated by studies at Beijing’s Central Conservatory of  Music.  In 1999 she moved to Canada and enrolled as the youngest ever student at Mount Royal Conservatory. Wang’s exceptional gifts were widely recognised in 2001 with her appointment as a Steinway Artist, and again the  following  year  when  she was offered a place at Philadelphia’s prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, where she studied with Gary Graffman.

Her international breakthrough came in 2007 when she replaced Martha Argerich as a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Two years later she had already signed an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon and since then she has become one of the most well-known artists on the international circuit, with a prolific career and numerous albums. Yuja Wang was named Artist of the Year 2017 by the magazine «Musical America». 

The past year has been chock-full of landmark events for Wang: Throughout this last year Wang has been nominated as resident artist in three of the most important venues in the world: the Carnegie Hall in New York, the Vienna Konzerthaus and the Luxembourg Philharmonie. Currently tackling about 110 concerts a year, she is undoubtedly building her career in the fast lane. And justifiably so: the San Francisco Chronicle, for one, has declared that she has ‘a practically superhuman keyboard technique with artistic eloquence that is second to none’.

This brilliant career, always on the spotlight hasn’t been except of criticism. Last February Wang was shamed by critics for her appearance, for wearing sunglasses during her recital. The piano virtuoso has defended herself explaining that she had been detained and subjected to “intense questioning” for over an hour at Vancouver International Airport, causing her to almost miss her recital at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. Yuja Wang says she delivered the recital in sunglasses to hide her tears.

“My main concern in that moment was to give the best performance I possibly could, and not to allow the audience to be distracted by my swollen eyes or visibly shaken demeanour. It would never be my intention to snub or disengage with an audience. Everything I do on stage is about connecting with people. My audiences and fans sustain and nourish me as an artist.” Said Yuja.

Wilhelm Kempff

Sublime simplicity right to the hearts

Top Classical, October 2021
Wilhelm Kempff was born on November 25, 1885 in Juteborg, northeastern Germany, and spent his childhood in Potsdam, before entering the Berlin Conservatory. His father was the royal music director and organist of St. Nicholas Church, his grandfather was also an organist, and his brother later became the music director of a church. Kempf was encouraged by his father to learn piano and entered the Berlin School of Music at the age of nine with the teachers Karl Heinrich Barth and later Robert Kahn.  

From 1918 he began his career as a soloist, and by 1934 he had become one of the best specialists in Bach and Beethoven. After World War II, Kempff, was in the “black list” by the Americans because he had not chosen exile with the arrival of the Nazis, and had to wait until 1964 to restart his concerts. On this date he had a triumphant performance at Carnegie Hall in New York, and the following year, a memorable concert at Lincoln Center, under the direction of Leonard Bernstein.  He received the Mendelssohn Prize in Berlin for piano performance and composition in 1917, including Beethoven’s “Sonata Hammark Claver” and Brahms’s “Paganini Variations”, which quickly became famous in Europe and internationally. In 1918 he collaborated for the first time with the Berlin Philharmonic and served as conductor of the Stuttgart School of Music in Germany from 1924 to 29. Between 1936 and 1979, he held 10 concerts in Japan. He made his first appearance in London and New York in 1951 and 1964, respectively, and made his last public performance in Paris in 1981. He retired due to health problems (Parkinson’s disease). 

Everyone who had been lucky enough to listen he live performances of this great German pianist, probably had the feeling of being in a “temple” more than in a concert hall. Kempff knew how to convey a very deep, even “religious” meaning to each of the works he performed. During his performances, Kempff himself and even the audience “disappeared,”. Under his privileged hands during that time only Beethoven, Brahms or Schubert existed.  

The composers and the works interpreted were for him the only reason of existence. However, and paradoxically, the quality of the works and the high musical sense he projected were probably the strongest link a performer could have with the audience. Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann and Brahms sharpened everyone’s sensitivity when performed by the maestro. 

Kempff has recorded more than once the 32 Beethoven sonatas and the 5 concerts for piano and orchestra. Although his characteristic personality and full technical mastery of this artists contributed to the excellence of his performances,  his solid cultural and humanistic training also played an important role, since he had university degrees in philosophy and history of music. 

Inexplicably, there isn’t much being said about this outstanding artist who, with his maestry and life devoted to music, left us with some of the most brilliant music interpretations and compositions of the history. We hope that his artistry will be better recognized with time.

Quatuor Ébène

When four virtuosos meet

Top Classical, August 2021
Quatuor Ébène was founded in 1999 at the Boulogne-Billancourt Conservatory in France. It was initially formed only as a distraction in the university’s practice rooms, but it wasn’t long after this brilliant ensemble got everybody’s attention. 

After studies with the Quatuor Ysaÿe in Paris they rapidly reached fame in the 2004 ARD Music Competition, where they were awarded 1rst prize, followed, by numerous other prizes and awards. For example: In 2005 the quartet was awarded the Belmont Prize of the Forberg-Schneider Foundation, in 2007 it was prizewinner of the Borletti-Buitoni Trust, and in 2019 – as first ensemble ever – it was honored with the Frankfurt Music Prize. 

The group is known for its versatility and performs a variety of genres, such as classical music, contemporary music, jazz, and crossover. They have created their own particular style. Not only have the Ébènes proven adept at reinvigorating familiar repertoire — their 2009 recording of the Debussy and Ravel quartets stands up to nearly any rival — but they’re also highly skilled arrangers of jazz and pop songs. Beyond its classical repertoire, some of the group’s most popular performances have been crossover, such a rendition of the music from the score of Pulp Fiction, arrangements of classic Beatles hits, and a jazz vocal/instrumental arrangement of “Someday My Prince Will Come” from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 

The quartet went through slight changes in its members. Last incorporation was violist Marie Chilemme who entered the ensemble in 2017. The other three members are: Pierre Colombet, violin, Gabriel Le Magadure, violin and Raphaël Merlin, violoncello.

The Quatuor Ebène’s concerts are marked by a singular spirit. With their magnetic playing, their new fresh look at traditional works and their willingness to merge with new forms, the musicians have arrived to a wide audience of young listeners; they communicate their knowledge in regular master classes at the Conservatoire Paris. 

Since 2005,  when the ensemble won the Belmont Prize of the Forberg-Schneider Foundation, the institution has worked closely with the musicians, allowing them – since 2009 – to play valuable old instruments from private collections.  

Last season Quatuor Ebène embarked on their “Beethoven Around the World” tour last year—giving some 40 concerts across 18 countries on all six continents. In conjunction with their tour, they recorded the complete cycle at seven venues. 

The price of being the best is well known by the quartet members, who send uncountable hours practicing together, the friction sometimes is inevitable: “You cannot be in a string quartet and be four best friends,” said one of the former members of the quartet, during an interview by Boston Glove. “Musically that cannot work. You also need the fight, to be very good. If you’re best friends, it’s always like, ‘Oh, you’re right, it’s very good.’ But there is no evolution. If you want to have an evolution in your interpretation, you sometimes have to try to understand the opposite of your idea, and also explain your idea. There are fights, but it’s normal.”

Alicia de Larrocha

Pure humanity and sensitivity

Top Classical, June 2021
September 25^th 2019, was the tenth anniversary of the death of the great pianist, one of the most admired and recognized of the twentieth century. The artist Alicia de Larrocha has been one of the most exalted figures of piano performance of the twentieth century. With an extensive and fruitful career, which led her to travel the world, the Catalan pianist has been a model in terms of refinement and interpretive honesty. 

Born in Barcelona in 1923 Alicia de Larrocha gave her first recital at the age of six and she made his orchestral debut in 1934, when he was eleven, at the Palau de la Música, playing Mozart.  

During the three years of the Spanish Civil War, She took advantage of the time break on her career to study new works and to compose some pieces. According to her disciple Marta Zabaleta, Alicia de Larrocha began composing at the age of six and continued to compose throughout her life: “We are amused by how well done her works are. Hadn’t she been as successful as a pianist, she might have make it as a composer. We’d never know. ” 

In 1953 Alicia made her debut in London and two years later jumped to the United States, where her career continued uninterrupted until the end.  At the age of eighty she decided to make one last farewell tour to say goodbye to her audience. However, she carried on playing until her death, at the age of eighty-six. The distinctions and awards received throughout her long career were innumerable, but she always believed them undeserved and thanked them full of humility. She was awarded the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts (Madrid, 1982), the Fundación Guerrero de Música Española prize (Madrid, 1999) and UNESCO (Paris, 1995) among many other distinctions. 

Her repertoire was extensive, not only Spanish, but also Central European: Schumann, Mozart, Beethoven and the Impressionists Ravel, Debussy, Fauré… But it has her interpretation of Albéniz’s Iberian Suite, was made her an internationally recognized pianist. She gave to the piece a fully new dimension, although she always had small hands for a score that required a remarkable extension of the fingers. Sitting at the grand piano she looked like a lost girl, but as soon as she started playing, she transformed herself in the extraordinarily mature artist who was never allowed the slightest concession.  

Her interpretation was something natural, as if she was touched by the gift of grace to bring scores to life in the most exquisite and refined way. 

Alicia de Larrocha was born to play the piano and beautify the world with her music, leaving an extraordinary legacy for the history of music.

Yehudi Menuhin

Much more than a great musician

Top Classical, May 2021
Yehudi Menuhin was born in New York on April 22, 1916, beginning to study violin at the age of four with Sigmund Anker in San Francisco, his first teacher; and made his debut at age 7, with the Spanish Symphony. His presentation in New York at the age of 10 was a resounding success that led to his debut in Europe in 1927. In November of that same year, he presented Beethoven’s Concerto for violin opus 61 under the baton of Fritz Busch in New York, becoming the spotlight of the main newspapers in the country. He quickly arranged concert tours of the United States, Berlin (1928) and London (1929). He played around 500 concerts to servicemen and wounded soldiers throughout the Second World War and travelled to Belsen in July 1945 to play for survivors.  

Spanning seven decades, the American violinist’s career is one of the most spectacular of our time. He has performed the main international stages, first as a violinist an then also as conductor, together with the best soloists and orchestral formations. 

He founded the international Menuhin Competition and the UK’s Yehudi Menuhin School to support the next generation. When he died in Berlin in 1999 on a conducting tour, it was one of his protégés, Daniel Hope, who was the soloist; other starry alumnae of the school include violinists Nigel Kennedy, Nicola Benedetti and Alina Ibragimova. 

Yehudi Menuhin was a full teacher, not only in his musical dimension but also as a humanitarian role model. Very few would argue that he is an example to follow. 

His unparalleled talent is unarguable, but it’s especially laudable his work in the field of pedagogy, for his fight for humanitarian causes, and for his use of music as tool to improve people’s life through the promotion of values of tolerance and against discrimination. He never stopped fighting for music, peace and coexistence among men and women.   

In 1992, he promoted the establishment of the Yehudi Menuhin Foundation, to promote social integration of disadvantaged children through artistic activities and the defense of the rights of cultural minorities. The Foundation also had the aim to create international cooperation networks in the fields of education and culture. In January 2003, the Yehudi Menuhin Spain Foundation was awarded the Grand Cross of the Civil Order of Social Solidarity, imposed by H.M. The Queen.

Maria João Pires

The best living pianist of the world

Top Classical, March 2021
Her tiny hands and small complexion has never been an impediment for Maria João Pires to dominate the piano since the early age of three years old. 

On the contrary, she found the way to compensate the low natural strength of a body that does not reach sixty feet, with her own techniques and skills that she developed through the years. She’s a living proof of what her college Daniel Barenboim maintains: that the piano is not played with the hands, but with head.

Maria João Pires was born in Lisbon in 1944. At age nine she received the highest recognition from a young Portuguese musician. Between 1953 and 1960 she studied at the Lisbon Conservatory. She continued her studies in Germany, first at the Munich Music Academy and later in Hanover.

Maria João Pires has performed in all corners of the world with the most important orchestras, including: Berliner Philarmoniker, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the London Philharmonic, the Orchester de Paris or the Wiener Philharmoniker. She is also a renowned chamber music performer. In recent years she has participated in major international festivals, including Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Schubertiade, Tanglewood, Ravinia, Montpellier, Lucerne, Edinburgh, and BBC Proms.

This fierce and delicate Portuguese performer has gone a long way in the pursue of happiness. She had a hard time finding the right place for her. The feeling of going against herself has accompanied her throughout her life, since she first experienced it in her childhood and stayed with her when she couldn’t be able to complete her pedagogical project in Belgais, near from Castelo Branco (Portugal). “The center of study for the arts”, which was a model in the classical world, was placed in a large rural house converted into a home and school. The pianist and her team were almost self-sufficient in that refuge – they even produce oil – where a children’s choir had been formed, and where a few students periodically lock themselves there to receive intensive teaching, in an atmosphere of unusual creativity. Unfortunately it had to be closed when the Portuguese government reduced subsidies and began to put up bureaucratic obstacles.

After that she decided to move from her natal Portugal first in Brazil and now in Belgium, where she teaches and continues to study and compose her own music mainly focused on classicism and romanticism. History has enshrined her as one of the greatest figures of 20th century pianism. Elegant, feisty, sweet, restless, rebellious, Maria João Pires is considered the best living pianist of the world.

She is an artist of exquisite and delicate sensibility who has always fiercely shunned the servitudes of the star system and has not stopped packing auditoriums and wowing crowds with her deep interpretations of Chopin or Schubert. Retired from the big music halls she now prefers reduced spaces «I no longer have a proper musical career, because I no longer identify myself with making music in the big halls. What I want now is to be able to do special projects and play on stages that have meaning for me. I really like small, intimate places, where the audience is not a mass and where listening becomes a more active act, where there is a dialogue with the artist».