works that bring the audience into a new view of familiar works, and also for championing lesser-known pieces. As La Figaro states in reviewing Noack’s Prokofiev, he is, “Restless and bright. Tender but incisive.” If La Figaro‘s interpretation of Noack makes you curious, listen to an example of his work on YouTube.Saturday, April 26, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Program:
Artistry of Florian Noack
To come to the Steinway Society stage, an artist first needs talent, a gift, and an innate ability. But also there is the learned skill, and training. Then among the best performers, the artist communicates a magic that makes the music relevant to the listener. For Noack, that track began at age 4. By the time he was 12, he was part of the Queen Elisabeth Chapel’s program for exceptional young talents.
Since then Noack has won numerous prestigious awards, including the ECHO Klassik for Young Artist of the Year, Diapason d’Or of the Year, Octave de laMusique for Artist of the Year, and prizes at the Rachmaninoff, Robert Schumann, and Cologne International Piano Competitions. The necessary skill is apparent, as is his ability to communicate to the listener.
His Transcriptions
Noack is celebrated for his transcriptions of orchestral works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Rimsky-Korsakov for solo piano. You will see that his program with us is filled with composers you know and love. His website says, “Out of love for Russian literature and studies with pianist-composer Vassily Lobanov, Florian developed a natural affinity with Russian heritage. His piano transcriptions, based on orchestral works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Rimsky-Korsakov, have attracted the attention of musicians such as Boris Berezovsky and Dmitri Bashkirov.” Of his approach to these well known compositions, he says, “It is a form of creativity and ingenuity that forces me to approach my instrument differently; searching for new textures, richness, colours or ways to combine my ten fingers.”
An Interest in Lesser Known Composers
In addition to a busy international concert schedule, Noack has recorded several critically praised albums showcasing lesser-known composers, like Lyapunov, alongside his own transcriptions. He also has developed an interest beyond performing with orchestra and solo recitals.
He joined the Fratres Trio in 2016, exploring early 20th century crossover repertoire between classical and jazz. (You’ll see and hear this repertoire in the Gershwin he’s performing for us). Noack previously taught at the Cologne Musikhochschule and currently serves on faculty at the Conservatoire Royal de Liège.
Buy Tickets to hear Florian Noack’s solo piano concert in Cupertino, CA
Tickets:
Adults: $78/$68/$58
Seniors/students: $73/$63/$53
Groups of 7 or more: $30 per ticket (contact office@steinwaysociety.com to arrange)
Student rush: $20 at the door, subject to availability
Box Office: 408.300.5635
All concerts are available as live performance or a high quality recording, available 5 p.m. the day after the concert for unlimited viewing for 48 hours.
