Krystian Bellière

Krystian Bellière is one of the UK’s outstanding pianists. Having made highly acclaimed débuts at the Wigmore Hall, the Purcell Room (as part of the ‘Fresh’ series), St. John’s Smith Square, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, and Steinway Hall, London, he has also given recital and concerto performances throughout Britain, Italy, Japan, East and South Africa. He has broadcast on BBC radio and ITV television and performs regularly at the National Concert Halls of Wales and Ireland, the Fairfield Hall, Croydon and at major concert venues of the UK. His repertoire ranges from Bach to Boulez with particular emphasis on the works of Liszt, Chopin and Schumann.

Born in London, Krystian Bellière comes from a family of English, French and German origins. In his teens he concentrated on composition and was taught piano by Ronald Smith before being awarded an instrumental scholarship at Christ Church, Oxford where he gained a First in Music. Further study followed at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London where he majored in conducting, studying in master classes with Michael Tilson Thomas and where his piano teacher was James Gibb. Subsequently he undertook intensive courses with Murray Perahia, Alfred Brendel and Stephen Kovacevich.

A versatile artist, he is equally at home working with singers and his involvement in the operatic repertoire is extensive. In 2004 he directed Viktor Ullmann’s opera Der Kaiser von Atlantis from the keyboard at the Wigmore Hall, subsequently touring nationally with funding from the Arts Council. In addition he has directed performances of Le Nozze di Figaro, Così fan tutte and Hänsel und Gretel. Having spent a year immersed in the repertoire and coaching singers at the National Opera Studio, he has also worked for the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Opera North, Classical Opera Company, Opera Theatre Company Ireland and British Youth Opera. He also enjoys partnering some of the UK’s finest young singers and recently presented a series of recitals at the Brighton Festival based around the solo piano and vocal music of Schumann.

Krystian Bellière's website

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“Bellière is a true interpreter…. a model of the thinking person’s pianist.”
The Irish Times, 31st July 2003
(Recital at the National Concert Hall, Dublin)

“He came through with flying colours and Liszt’s B minor Sonata found Krystian Bellière on top form. This young man is certainly an artist whose future career we shall watch with interest.”
Musical Opinion, October 2004
(St. John’s Smith Square recital)

“Colossal layers of chords and fusillades of octaves seemed to flow from the keyboard like a river. Technique of awesome strength and musicianship….”
The Times (South Africa)

“Extraordinary and impressive performances of works by Messiaen and George Benjamin floated the almost static phrases through the hall like a mantra.”
Sunday Tribune (South Africa)

“A brilliant athletic Bartók Sonata was followed by beautifully serene and poetic renderings of works by Schumann.”
The Mercury (South Africa)

“A dazzling display of Liszt by a world-class performer.”
Croydon Advertiser

“An exceptionally talented young man.”
Sir Georg Solti

“An endlessly engrossing and fascinating performance, the work of a truly re-creative artist. I would certainly count these as among the most outstanding performances I have heard at any competition in the UK.”
Bryce Morrison

“One of the most interesting British artists of his generation.”
Ronald Smith

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