Severin von Eckardstein Joins ClaviCologne 2025 in Pescara, Defining the Artistry of a Modern German Virtuoso

One of the most compelling voices in German pianism today, Severin von Eckardstein will be joining the esteemed faculty of ClaviCologne 2025 in Pescara. His participation brings not only international prestige but also a deep, nuanced approach to performance and pedagogy, solidifying the festival’s role as a meeting point for tradition and innovation in the piano world.

This summer, as the Adriatic city of Pescara transforms into a haven for pianistic excellence, von Eckardstein’s presence stands out as a major highlight of ClaviCologne’s 12th edition. Known for his intellectual sensitivity and expansive repertoire, he has forged a career that spans celebrated solo recitals, high-profile concerto appearances, and a deep engagement with chamber music.

Von Eckardstein’s international reputation was established early, following top prizes at the ARD Competition in Munich, the Leeds International Piano Competition, and ultimately the First Prize at the prestigious Concours Reine Elisabeth in Brussels in 2003. Since then, he has performed on many of the world’s foremost stages, including with orchestras such as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, NHK Symphony Orchestra, and the Mariinsky Orchestra, under the baton of leading conductors like Paavo Järvi, Philippe Herreweghe, Jaap van Zweden, Marek Janowski, and Valery Gergiev.

As a frequent and celebrated guest of Amsterdam’s “Meesterpianisten” series at the Concertgebouw, von Eckardstein’s performances have earned wide acclaim, including opening the 25th anniversary gala in 2012. He is a regular at the Klavier-Festival Ruhr and continues to shape Europe’s musical landscape with performances that marry precision and poetry.

Chamber music is another cornerstone of von Eckardstein’s artistic life. His collaborations span renowned festivals such as Kuhmo, Delft, and Risør, alongside partners like Heinrich Schiff, Sophia Jaffé, Andrej Bielov, Isabelle van Keulen, and Nicolas Altstaedt. In 2015, he co-founded the “Klangbrücken” concert series at the Konzerthaus Berlin with violinist Franziska Hölscher, creating a platform for artistic dialogue in intimate settings.

A dedicated recording artist, von Eckardstein’s albums—featuring repertoire from Medtner to Scriabin, Schubert, Debussy, and more—have garnered critical acclaim, including a Diapason d’Or for his interpretation of Dupont’s “La maison dans les dunes.” His most recent release, Vers la flamme, appeared in October 2023 to enthusiastic reviews.

Equally committed to the next generation of pianists, von Eckardstein regularly gives masterclasses internationally, and in 2023, he was appointed Professor of Piano and Piano Chamber Music at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz in Cologne. His teaching is grounded in the legacy of his mentors—Barbara Szczepańska, Karl-Heinz Kämmerling, and Klaus Hellwig—as well as his formative time at the International Piano Academy Lake Como.

Reflecting on his upcoming role at ClaviCologne, von Eckardstein shared:

"Teaching is an ongoing conversation between generations. I’m excited to contribute to an atmosphere where young musicians are encouraged to question, explore, and discover their own artistic voices."

With Severin von Eckardstein on its 2025 faculty, ClaviCologne further affirms its mission of excellence, offering young pianists rare access to mentorship from one of Germany’s most thoughtful and inspiring performers.