Katsaris, Cyprien
Katsaris, Cyprien
Katsaris, Cyprien, French pianist, teacher, and composer; b. Marseilles, May 5, 1951. He began piano lessons as a child, and later pursued studies with Aline von Barentzen, Monique de la Bruchollerie, and Jean Hubeau at the Paris Cons., where he won a premier prix for piano (1969) and for chamber music (1970). In 1970 he received the Albert Roussel Prize and in 1977 captured 1st prize in the Cziffra Competition. He subsequently appeared as a soloist with the world’s major orchs., and also gave recitals and played in chamber music concerts. On May 23, 1986, he made his N.Y. recital debut at Alice Tully Hall with notable success. He also was active as a teacher and composer. His repertoire is catholic, ranging from works of Bach to those of Boulez; he won particular acclaim for his virtuoso performances of Liszt’s piano transcriptions of the 9 Beethoven syms.
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire