Paul Stewart (concert pianist)

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Canadian pianist Paul Stewart made his orchestral debut in 1981 with the Toronto Symphony, as a last-minute substitute for an indisposed pianist. The Toronto Star critic recognized a major talent (“…a strong reading…he brought to the Grieg Concerto a spirit of zestful tension…”) and a re-engagement to perform Tchaikovsky's First Concerto was hailed as “brawny and convincing…there was an overriding solidity and power to his playing that made it the most satisfying of the evening.” Since then, Mr Stewart has established an enviable career as one of Canada’s busiest and most sought-after pianists.

In 1996, Paul Stewart made a highly successful recital debut at London’s Wigmore Hall (broadcast by the BBC),and at the Moscow Conservatory played Rachmaninoff’s Fourth Piano Concerto with the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra,a performance broadcast by radio throughout Russia and subsequently released on a critically acclaimed CD. As a soloist with orchestras, in solo recital and in chamber music, Mr Stewart has been heard throughout Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia. He has a special affection for India which he has toured on a number of occasions, performing throughout the country.

Recordings include Benjamin Britten’s ‘Young Apollo’ (“…extraordinary brilliance…a performance of dazzle and poetry…” Gramophone), Schubert lieder and transcriptions (“…Paul Stewart charms with the flow and singing tone of his pianism…” Classical Music Magazine), and the aforementioned Rachmaninoff disc which also includes the ‘Night Wind’ Sonata by Nicolai Medtner (“…stunning…uncommon elegance and sympathy, a perfect balance between color and architecture…Stewart sculpts with the sure-footed instincts of a panther on the prowl…” American Record Guide). Upcoming recordings include Granados’ Goyescas and the complete works for violin and piano by Medtner.

Recent performances include appearances in the celebrated Tonhalle in Zurich, Switzerland, and chamber music with the Leipzig and Moscow String Quartets. Since 2002 he has been Professor of Piano at the University of Montreal.