Cyprien Katsaris is a renowned French-Cypriot pianist and composer known for his exceptional technique and emotive interpretations across a wide range of classical repertoire. Born on May 5, 1951, in Marseilles, France, and raised in Cameroon, Katsaris demonstrated musical prodigy early in life. He pursued his formal education at the Paris Conservatoire, where he honed his skills and went on to win numerous prestigious awards, including the International Cziffra Competition.

His career has spanned several decades, during which he has performed with the world's leading orchestras and has collaborated with illustrious conductors. Beyond his celebrated performances of well-known classical works, Katsaris's discography includes an impressive array of albums that reflect his versatility and passion for musical exploration. From his interpretative Brahms collections, embracing both the Walzer Op. 39 and Ungarische Tänze, to his intricate and introspective performances of Chopin, Katsaris brings a unique and insightful perspective to every piece he tackles. He is also noted for his original programming, such as his reimagining of Mozart's "Don Giovanni" transcribed for piano by Georges Bizet, and his commitment to unearthing and illuminating less widely performed compositions as seen in his recordings of works by Greek composers.

Cyprien Katsaris's contributions to classical music extend beyond performance to pedagogy and composition. His dedication to the arts is evident in his recordings, which often pair canonical works with his own imaginative transcriptions and compositions, offering listeners a rich, multifaceted auditory experience. An artist with a keen interest in historical context, Katsaris's "Beethoven: A Chronological Odyssey" showcases a commitment to insightful and educational programming, while his transcriptions and thematic compilations, such as “Saint-Saëns: Original Works and Transcriptions for Solo Piano” and “Opera Songs For Piano,” display his ingenuity and finesse. His artistic vision seeks to transcend traditional boundaries, connecting with broader cultural narratives, as exemplified by his composition "Hope For an Ideal Ocean," inspired by journalism from 'The Outlaw Ocean' by Ian Urbina.

Genres

Classical Piano

Related Artists

Krystian Zimerman

Martha Argerich

Daniel Barenboim

Maurizio Pollini

Evgeny Kissin

Lang Lang

Radu Lupu

Vladimir Horowitz

András Schiff

Vladimir Ashkenazy

Murray Perahia

Alfred Brendel

Latest Release

Schubert: Impromptus

Franz Schubert•

Cyprien Katsaris

Album - 8 Tracks - Released May 24, 2024