When the internationally-famous pianist Lang Lang described the young Turkish/English musician Erdem Mısırlıoğlu’s playing as “quite stunning”, he was expressing an opinion with which so many critics concur. He has won many awards and prizes including being named piano winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2008 when he was only 18.

All who were lucky enough to attend his recent concert at St James’ Piccadilly, promoted by Talent Unlimited, appreciated Erdem’s powerful, dramatic yet lyrical rendering of a programme which included:
Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.32 in C minor Opus 111
Listz’s Piano Sonata in B minor S 178
and, also by Listz, Benediction de Dieu dans la Solitude from
Harmonies Poetiques et Religieuses S 173.

On 21st of January, Erdem will perform Grieg’s Piano Concerto, a favourite with so many of us, in Colchester and he will feature Schubert and Listz in Ealing on 9th March.

The food at the post-concert reception was excellent complimenting his performance which was judged by many to show he has the confidence and controlled power of a much more mature musician. This was appreciated by the judges at the recent Music Colleges UK competition. Music students throughout Britain compete in their own competitions then the winners compete nationally and the overall winner was Erdem Misirlioglu. Congratulations!

Sally Mustoe
December 2011