Pietro De Maria to Lead Masterclasses at ClaviCologne International Piano Festival

Pietro De Maria, the celebrated Italian pianist and educator, joins the ClaviCologne International Piano Festival as a professor of masterclasses, bringing his extensive experience and expertise. Known for his exceptional performances and recordings, De Maria is eager to share his knowledge with younger generations and contribute to the festival's enriching educational environment.

ClaviCologne International Piano Festival is proud to welcome renowned Italian pianist Pietro De Maria as a professor of its esteemed masterclasses. A performer of international acclaim and an experienced educator, De Maria brings with him a rich legacy of artistic excellence and pedagogical depth.

After receiving the Critics' Prize at the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow (1990), De Maria went on to win First Prize at prestigious competitions such as the Dino Ciani – Teatro La Scala in Milan (1990), the Géza Anda in Zurich (1994), and the Mendelssohn in Hamburg (1997). Since then, he has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras under the direction of such esteemed conductors as Myung-Whun Chung, Vladimir Fedoseyev, Alan Gilbert, and Daniele Gatti.

A graduate of the conservatories in Venice and Geneva, where he studied under Giorgio Vianello, Gino Gorini, and Maria Tipo, De Maria has built a diverse repertoire that spans from Bach to Ligeti. He was the first Italian pianist to perform Chopin’s complete piano works in a series of six public concerts and continues to captivate audiences with landmark interpretations of Bach and Beethoven, including both books of The Well-Tempered Clavier, the Goldberg Variations, the 32 Sonatas, and all five Piano Concertos.

His critically acclaimed recordings for Decca and Dynamic have earned recognition from Diapason, International Piano, MusicWeb International, and Pianiste.

Currently a professor at both the Mozarteum University in Salzburg and the Academy of Music in Pinerolo, De Maria is also an Academic of Santa Cecilia, reflecting his dedication to nurturing the next generation of pianists.

Speaking about his participation in ClaviCologne, De Maria shared:
"I am truly delighted to be part of this wonderful initiative. I love sharing my knowledge with younger generations and supporting their artistic journeys. Festivals like ClaviCologne offer an inspiring space for learning, creativity, and connection."

His presence at ClaviCologne promises an enriching experience for all participants, offering a rare opportunity to engage with one of today’s most distinguished pianists.