ATMA Classique is delighted to announce that Canadian pianist Philip Chiu has entered into an exclusive recording contract with the label. “Philip Chiu’s artistic vision is in line with ATMA Classique’s objectives; the originality and diversity of Mr. Chiu’s piano programs will be a rich addition to the repertoire in our catalog,” said Guillaume Lombart, President of ATMA Classique.
ATMA will produce three albums over a six-year period with Mr. Chiu, who is described as “a pianist-painter who transforms every musical idea into a beautiful painting of colors. ” (La Presse). The first album, Fables, pairs Maurice Ravel‘s Ma mère l’Oye with an original work inspired by Indigenous stories, composed by Barbara Assiginaak of the Odawa First Nations.
Philip Chiu is acclaimed for his brilliant pianism, sensitive listening, and a stage presence that eschews the hermit-pianist image in favour of openness, authenticity, and connection with audiences. Inaugural winner of the Mécénat Musica Prix Goyer, Philip has become one of Canada’s leading musicians through his infectious love of music and his passion for creation and communication
Philip Chiu is currently featured in two ATMA recordings, Cavatine and Tapeo (to be released in January 2021), accompanying cellist Cameron Crozman, and a third with Pentaèdre devoted to Jacques Hétu’s music for winds, which was released on October 23rd.
Chiu concertizes extensively as soloist and chamber musician and has performed solo recitals and chamber music concerts in most major venues across Canada, as well as concert halls in France, Japan and the United States. He debuted with the La Jolla Music Society in California for their 50th anniversary season, and has performed in Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont.
Chamber music partners have included James Ehnes, Emmanuel Pahud, Regis Pasquier, Roland Pidoux, Noah Bendix-Balgley, Bomsori Kim, Johannes Moser, and the New Orford String Quartet. He also has a long-standing violin-piano duo with Jonathan Crow, concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Philip is a veteran touring artist of Prairie Debut, Jeunesses Musicales Canada, and Debut Atlantic, having toured the country 14 times with their generous support.
In addition to his performing activities, Philip created the Collaborative Piano Program at the Domaine Forget International Academy and consulted for national and international competitions as a recognized expert in collaborative piano. He regularly juries for provincial, national, and international competitions.
