PHILIP CHIU
PIANO
“Astonishing interpretive and technical proficiency…and he makes it all seem effortless”
- CBC MUSIC
BIOGRAPHY
Renowned for his “pianist-painter” artistry that transforms musical ideas into vivid color (La Presse), Philip Chiu is celebrated as one of Canada’s leading pianists, lauded for his brilliant technique, intuitive musicality, and engaging stage presence. Winner of the 2023 JUNO Award for Best Classical Solo Album and the first-ever Mécénat Musica Prix Goyer recipient, Philip captivates audiences through his expressive interpretations and heartfelt dedication to creating meaningful connections through music.
A sought-after soloist and chamber musician, Philip has performed extensively in major venues across Canada, the United States, Japan, and France. His dynamic collaborations have included performances with distinguished artists such as James Ehnes, Emmanuel Pahud, Régis Pasquier, Noah Bendix-Balgley, Bomsori Kim, Johannes Moser, and the New Orford String Quartet. As part of a longstanding duo with violinist Jonathan Crow, Philip's performances have become cherished by chamber music lovers. An accomplished touring artist with Prairie Debut, Jeunesses Musicales Canada, and Debut Atlantic, Philip has completed over 14 cross-Canada tours, bringing his music to communities nationwide.
Philip's recent album Voyages (ATMA) pays tribute to his birthplace of Hong Kong, following his JUNO-winning album Fables (ATMA), the second release in an ambitious triptych project that blends commissioned works by composers such as Anishinaabekwe artist Barbara Assiginaak and Chinese-Canadian Alice Ping Yee Ho with pieces by Ravel and Debussy. His recordings have established him as a champion of Canadian composers and contemporary music, including projects such as 24 Preludes for Solo Piano by John Burge (Centrediscs), Tapeo (ATMA) with cellist Cameron Crozman, and Night Light (Leaf Music) with flautist Lara Deutsch. His collaboration with Pentaèdre to honor Jacques Hétu’s music further showcases his dedication to cultural storytelling.
Philip’s recordings for labels like ATMA Classique, Warner Music, Analekta, Leaf Music, and Centrediscs are regularly broadcast on BBC Radio 3, France Musique, ICI Musique, and CBC Music. With a distinctive approach that emphasizes authenticity and connection, Philip Chiu continues to enchant audiences worldwide, establishing himself as a true ambassador of piano artistry and Canadian music.
November 2024
REVIEWS
“Astonishing interpretive and technical proficiency…and he makes it all seem effortless”
– CBC Music
« Un soliste qui épate de plus en plus les mélomanes. »
“A soloist who amazes more and more music lovers.”
– ICI MUSIQUE
“Pianist Philip Chiu was elegance personified at the keyboard”
- MUSICAL TORONTO
“Pianist Philip Chiu played with striking precision and subtle poetry.”
- THE GAZETTE, Montreal
“... a pianist-painter who turns every musical idea into a beautiful array of colors.”
- LA PRESSE
" played with such clarity, delicacy and youthful energy that the week’s crises melted into memory and we were captivated... the engaging wit of Chiu and his refreshingly restrained performance –– except for some busy footwork –– of four Rachmaninoff preludes."
- THE VERNON MORNING STAR
PREFERRED CONCERTO LIST
2020–23
Beethoven
Piano Concerto in G Major
Gershwin
Rhapsody in Blue
Mendelssohn
Piano Concerto in G minor
Prokofiev
Piano Concerto No. 3
Ravel
Piano Concerto in G Major
Shostakovich
Piano Concerto in F major
Recital repertoire available upon request
Master classes and workshops available
Other concerti available upon request
DISCOGRAPHY
John Burge: Twenty-Four Preludes for Solo Piano
Centrediscs
Bis
(with Kerson Leong)
Analekta
A Tribute to Fritz Kreisler
(with Ewald Cheung)
Schubert: Works for Violin and Piano
(with Jonathan Crow)
Espace XXI
Brahms: Complete Works for Violin and Piano
(with Ewald Cheung)
Espace XXI
PHOTOS
Photography
Bo Huang (photo 1), Matthew Perrin (photos 2-3), Brent Calis (photos 4-6)
Click each image to download a hi-res version
