Piano Favourites - Aaron Epstein, Piano

American pianist Aaron Epstein has given concerts throughout the world, including in Germany, France, the U.S., New Zealand, and Russia. He studied piano and musicology at Yale University and the Yale School of Music, and obtained a piano degree from the prestigious Franz Liszt School of Music in Weimar, Germany. Following a successful first concert at the CBS Music series at the Cathedral in December, this will be his second recital in Christchurch.

Aaron’s programme will include such favorites as Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” and Saint-Saëns’ “The Swan” (arr. Godowsky) in addition to works by Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann, and Bach.

“We recently attended a piano recital by Aaron Epstein in Christchurch, and I must say that he is without a doubt one of the most musically endowed pianists l have heard in many years. His performance was incredible – like watching music flow out of his heart into his fingers, creating pure magic. As a friend of mine said recently, “Music is the only sound of heaven we’ve ever been given; it is where the soul goes to put into notes what cannot be said in words.” I promise you that Aaron’s piano performance will take you there.” - Laura Ward, piano teacher IRMT New Zealand

“A superb performance by Aaron Epstein in our regular Wednesday recital series on the Steinway concert grand. Playing flawlessly, from memory, his repertoire traversed pianistic pyrotechnics from Liszt and Granados through elegant Chopin and Mozart, culminating in deeply pondered and sensitive Bach. In a tranquil cathedral setting, this gave spiritual sustenance to his totally captivated audience.” - Don Whelan, Musical Director, Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament Music, Christchurch New Zealand

“I have heard Aaron Epstein perform three times. Persistently, three words came to me:

“Inwardness” in his approach to the pieces and the instrument.
“Natural” in his choice of tempos and phrasing.
“Spirituality” in the content of his interpretations.

In Beethoven’s 30th Sonata, op. 109, two names came to my mind as I was listening: Serkin and Gilels.

Aaron Epstein, more than a pianist, an artist to watch.”

- Gérard Déserbais, founder and director of record distribution company CED (Compagnie Européenne du Disque), former employee, Philips Records