A few weeks back I had the absolute privilege of seeing classical pianist Jan Lisiecki perform alongside the Calgary Philharmonic in a dazzling display of ability and virtuosity. If you’re a classical pianist residing in Calgary, then you’ve probably heard a thing or two about Jan Lisiecki, the local Polish-Canadian pianist who captured the attention of the world at a young age due to the maturity and imaginative nature of his playing. I was absolutely blown away at his skill and how connected to the music he was, and it was definitely those combined factors that compelled me to write this artist in profile about him. Past YAA bloggers have also met Jan – check out their posts about the experience here, here and here.
Born in Calgary in 1995 to Polish-immigrant parents who both had no backgrounds in music, Jan’s skill shocked those around him, including his teachers, Mount Royal Conservatory’s Colleen Athparia and Glenn Montgomery. At the age of nine, after only four years of playing, Jan became the youngest winner of Calgary Concerto Competition history. He would reprise that win in 2006. The following years would prove to be hectic for Jan, who skipped four grades and balanced his career as a pianist alongside studying under the International Baccalaureate program at Western Canada High. Nevertheless, he graduated from high school at the age of 16, in accordance to his theme of being wise beyond his years.
Today, at the age of 19, Jan is studying at the Glenn Gould School of Music in Toronto. He has been nominated for a Juno, won countless prestigious awards, played in Carnegie Hall, as well as alongside other seasoned musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma. He has also performed extensively in North America, Europe, and Asia. Not bad for someone who began to pursue music at the suggestion of a school counselor.
Being a classical pianist who also studies at the Mount Royal Conservatory, I had heard so much about Jan from people around me. Their rave reviews of his playing were definitely without fault. I strongly encourage everyone to listen to his recordings and to hear him live. Jan is currently touring, and though he doesn’t have a scheduled performance in Calgary in the near future, keep your eyes peeled on his calender! You never know what may arise. In the meantime, have a listen at this recording of Jan performing the beautiful Schumann Piano Concerto in a-minor (opus 54), which he played with the CPO in the concert I attended.
http://youtu.be/dz_tahEgMtI
Stunning, isn’t it? As a friend of mine would say, “no one has flow like him.” And as I would say, “He also has great hair.”
For more about Jan, visit his website at http://www.janlisiecki.com/Jan_Lisiecki.html