PROGRAM

“Janne Mertanen is a unique voice in the sea of pianistic talent in this world.  His interpretations have original perspectives, amplified by stunning virtuosic technique,  inspiring spontaneity and masterful musicianship.  A Sony Classical Artist, his recordings of Chopin and Sibelius present a rare pianistic lyricism and stylistic integrity.  Currently recording the complete works of Chopin, the program for London will include Chopin and music from Finland.  We are thrilled to bring Janne from Finland to gift London with a rare opportunity to hear his live music in Canada.  This concert is not to be missed!”

Clark Bryan, Executive and Artistic Director, The Aeolian

Pianist Janne Mertanen studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where his teachers included Erik T. Tawastjerna and Dmitri Baskirov. He then completed his studies with Lazar Berman at the Accademia Pianistica in Imola, Italy.

Mertanen came to the attention of the wider musical public in 1992 with a win in the International Chopin Competition in Darmstadt, Germany. In the same year he won the first price also in the Nyborg Nordic Competition. Janne Mertanen has had orchestra engagements in South America, Asia and in Europe. In March 2010 he made his South American debut as the soloist of the Schumann Piano Concerto with the Orchestra of the National Theater of Brazil conducted by Ira Levine. In 2014 he made his soloist debut in Japan with Tokyo New City Orchestra. Recital appearances have taken him around most of the European countries, Canada, America, Australia and Asia. He made his debut at the Wigmore Hall in London in October 1994 with a programme of works by Chopin.  

Janne Mertanen was selected as the Young Artist of the 1st Espoo International Piano Festival in May 1991. Mertanen´s first recording Chopin Recital was released in 1994 by Finlandia Records (Warner).  Chopin Nocturnes vol. 1-2 (Alba Records), were awarded in The 6th International Record Competition Grand Prix Du Disque Frédérick Chopin 2005 in Warsaw October 2005. His album Chopin Piano Concertos was released in February 2008 (ABCD 247). In 2010 Mertanen published a recording of Piano Works of Sibelius and a recording of Nino Rota´s Piano Concertos (with Tampere Philharmonic, cond. Hannu Lintu). In 2011 was published a recording of Chopin´s works for piano and orchestra with Turku Filharmonic (cond. Jani Telaranta). Recording of Grieg and Schumann Piano Concertos with Gävle Symphony Orchestra (cond. Hannu Koivula) was released in 2013. Janne Mertanen is the Artistic Director of Joensuu Music Festival. He is a Steinway Artist.