Dr. Nicholas Susi

Dr. Nicholas susi

Teaching Music of Different Cultures – Why Does the Piano Music of Germany, France, Italy, Russia, and America Sound Different?

Abstract:

The piano repertoire is truly vast, with big contributions from composers of various cultures. The differing sounds and syntax of these cultures can often be heard and felt in the performance of their music. But how and why exactly does the music of, say, Germany differ from the music of France? Or from Italy? And what realizations might that provide for us piano teachers? This workshop will seek to answer these questions with a glimpse at the diverse history, language, politics, and other artwork of the above-mentioned countries in connection to their musical repertories.

Bio:

2015-2017 National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) Young Artist, pianist Dr. Nicholas Susi enjoys a multifaceted career living out his deep love for music. The 2016-17 season saw over 25 engagements across the country as performer, masterclass clinician, competition adjudicator, lecturer, and community outreach speaker.

Recent performance highlights include a solo recital at the National Federation of Music Club’s 2016 convention, two concerts for the Princess von Hohenzollern at her castle in Namedy, Germany, and his performance at the TivoliVrendenburg in Utrecht, The Netherlands during the semifinals of the 2014 International Franz Liszt Piano Competition. Past recognitions also include 2nd place at the 2014 Mu Phi Epsilon International Competition, 1st prize at the international 2013 Klavierfestival Rösrath competition, 2nd prize at the 2009 King Award for Young Artists Competition, 1st prize in the 2008 Spire Piano Competition, and winning prestigious grants from such organizations as the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD), Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation, and Legacy Foundation for the Arts. These and other grants enabled him to travel, study, and perform music across Europe; the experiences of researching Beethoven in Bonn, Debussy in Paris, and Mozart in Vienna have been central to his development as a musician and to his cosmopolitan understanding of musical styles. Other noteworthy appearances include a performance at Klavierfestival Ruhr, a concert tour of the Niederrhein region of Germany, and concerto solos with the Omaha Symphony, Wiener Residenz Orchester, St. Louis Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City, Taneycomo Festival Orchestra, and the Orchester der Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln.

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Nicholas just completed his doctorate at the University of Michigan, with previous studies at the University of Kansas and at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln as a two-time DAAD grantee. Primary teachers include Zena Ilyashov, Jack Winerock, Nina Tichman, and Arthur Greene. His debut recording, Scarlatti Now, was released in late 2016 and is available for purchase. For details on upcoming performances, booking information, and further listening, please visit www.nicholas-susi.com.