Description
Denis Pascal performs both in France and worldwide as a soloist and chamber musician. He has made numerous appearances in the United States (at venues such as Lincoln Center and Merkin Hall in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington, and the Herbst Theater in San Francisco), in Asia (at the Yokohama Festival in Japan, Seoul, etc.), and across Europe (including Palermo, Rome, Venice, Lisbon, Helsinki, Liepaja, Madrid, and Valencia). He is regularly invited to Germany to perform at the prestigious Husum Piano Festival, where he presents daring programs.
In France, audiences at venues like the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, the Théâtre du Châtelet, the Théâtre de la Ville, the Salle Gaveau, and the Opéra Garnier in Paris, as well as numerous international festivals, have had the pleasure of applauding Denis Pascal’s performances. He has appeared with orchestras including the Orchestre National de Lyon, the Orchestre National de Bordeaux, the Orchestre National de Besançon, the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, and the Orchestre d’Auvergne.
Denis Pascal’s concerts are carefully considered. He is committed to maintaining a historical awareness of the repertoire, often venturing off the beaten path to deliver memorable performances accessible to all. His rigorous approach applies to Lisztian repertoire, impressionistic music, and post-romantic compositions alike. His unique approach to the entire piano repertoire, along with his passion for defending lesser-known works and composers, has established him as one of the most significant artists on both the French and international stages.
Denis Pascal’s discography reflects his musical commitments. For the French label Polymnie, he recorded the complete Rhapsodies Hongroises by Franz Liszt, praised by the music press for its expressive power, earning accolades such as a “Choc” from Le Monde de la Musique, the Prix de l’Association Française Franz Liszt, and a “Recommandé” from Classica. He has also recorded Ernest Chausson’s Concerto for Violin, Piano, and String Quartet, which received enthusiastic reviews. His collaboration with François-Xavier Roth’s orchestra Les Siècles in Chopin’s two concertos, using a Pleyel 1900 piano and period instruments, offered a fresh perspective on these iconic works.
Among his highly acclaimed discography projects is a monographic recording dedicated to Jean Wiener for Sisyphe, which earned a Diapason d’Or. In October 2012, a new volume devoted to Jean Wiéner’s chamber music was released, followed by a recording of Schubert’s Moments musicaux and Sonata D.960 in 2013.
Denis Pascal, a disciple of Pierre Sancan, studied at the CNSM de Paris with Jacques Rouvier, Léon Fleisher, and Gyorgy Sandor. He won international competitions in Lisbon, New York’s Concert Artist Guild, and Zurich, after which he furthered his studies with György Sebök at Indiana University in Bloomington for three years. He then embarked on regular collaborations and tours with the renowned cellist Janos Starker.
As a highly esteemed educator, Denis Pascal was appointed professor at the CNSM de Lyon in January 2010 and later at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris in April 2011. He has also contributed to the development of several educational works in collaboration with the Cité de la Musique in Paris. He is the initiator of several music seasons, including the “Les Tons Voisins” season – International Chamber Music Encounters in Albi – which has been praised by the press and takes place in unexpected locations in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city.
