Photo : kawai
Brian Hsu, Piano
This program invites you on a musical journey through the ages, blending the classical elegance of Mozart, the American spirit of Gershwin, and the sonic masterpiece of Debussy.
Église Saint-Merry (Paris 4th)
About
Brian Hsu
A Taiwanese-American pianist and associate professor of piano at the University of Oregon, he is recognized for his electrifying energy and highly expressive interpretations since his concerto debut at age 16 with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Critics regularly praise his playing, notably lauding "the breadth of his expression and his technical mastery."
An accomplished and versatile artist, he has performed in North America, Europe, Asia, and South Africa, in major American cities such as Boston, New York, Chicago, New Orleans, and Dallas. He has been a soloist with prestigious orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Taiwan National Symphony Orchestra, the Juilliard Orchestra, and the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra. His concerts have been broadcast on WQXR in New York and All Classical Radio in Portland. He has also participated in numerous international festivals, notably in Italy, Canada, and Spain.
His first American solo album, Night at the Opera: Part I, dedicated to virtuosic piano transcriptions of operas, was released in 2018 to enthusiastic acclaim. In April 2026, he released a second album dedicated to the complete Années de pèlerinage by Franz Liszt. A multi-award winner in competitions, he also received numerous honors during his studies at the Juilliard School, Yale University, and the University of Michigan.
Deeply committed to chamber music, pedagogy, and mentorship, Brian Hsu regularly appears as a guest artist and educator at universities in the United States and Asia. He also participates in MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) events and serves on the juries of international piano competitions. He has collaborated with numerous renowned musicians and participated in the world premiere of Paul Schoenfeld's Piano Quintet with members of the Pro Arte Quartet in 2014. A member of Ensemble Peri during its first tour in Korea, he is also a co-founder of Key to Inclusion, an inter-university project aimed at promoting the works of African American and other underrepresented composers.
His teaching career has led him to serve at several prestigious institutions, including Yale University, the University of Michigan, and Loyola University New Orleans, where he was an associate professor of piano.
Trained by renowned pianists and pedagogues, including Logan Skelton, Arthur Greene, Peter Frankl, and Jerome Lowenthal, he is a graduate of the Juilliard School, holds an artist diploma from Yale University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan.
More information about his career, recordings, and upcoming concerts is available on his website: www.brian-hsu.com.
Our take on this event
Prepare for an electrifying performance from a pianist whose expressiveness has captivated audiences from New York to Asia. Whether you are a classical music aficionado or simply seeking an evening of pure artistic brilliance, this recital promises a transformative experience.
On Saturday, November 28, 2026, Saint-Merry Church hosts Taiwanese-American pianist Brian Hsu for an exclusive performance in the 4th arrondissement. Known for his technical mastery and expressive power, Hsu has performed with world-class ensembles including the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Juilliard Orchestra. This recital is free to attend, with a voluntary contribution requested during the collection. The venue is fully accessible to wheelchair users, as well as visitors with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities, ensuring a welcoming environment for all music lovers to experience this celebrated soloist’s artistry.
Pianist and educator Brian Hsu takes the stage at Saint-Merry Church on November 28, 2026, from 20:30 to 21:30. An alumnus of the Juilliard School and Yale University, Hsu is internationally recognized for his vibrant performances and deep musical insight. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with prestigious orchestras and contributed to significant pedagogical initiatives like Key to Inclusion. His latest work includes a 2026 album featuring the complete Années de pèlerinage by Franz Liszt.
The concert operates on an open-admission basis, inviting attendees to support the event through a voluntary contribution during the collection. The organizers have prioritized accessibility, ensuring the church is welcoming to those in wheelchairs, as well as individuals with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities. This one-hour recital offers a unique opportunity to witness an exceptional musician in an intimate setting.
