Philip Chiu
PIANO
Photo: Brent Calis
“A pianist-painter who transforms each musical idea into a beautiful array of colours” (La Presse), Philip Chiu is acclaimed for his brilliant pianism, sensitive listening, and a welcoming 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 concertizes extensively as soloist and chamber musician and has performed solo recitals, concerti and chamber music concerts in most major venues across Canada, as well as in France, Japan and the United States. Chamber music partners have included James Ehnes, Emmanuel Pahud, Regis Pasquier, 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. 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.
His most recent solo album Fables is part of an upcoming triptych (ATMA), presenting original commissions from distinguished composers such as Barbara Assiginaak, Odawa composer and recipient of the Order of Ontario, alongside the music of Ravel and Debussy. Other recent recording projects include John Burge’s 24 Preludes for Solo Piano (Centrediscs), as well as a recording/concert project with Pentaèdre honouring the music of Jacques Hétu (ATMA) recognized by Le Devoir as “A useful disc, superbly performed.” Also released in 2021: Tapeo (ATMA) with cellist Cameron Crozman offers colourful Spanish music and Night Light (Leaf Music) with flautist Lara Deutsch.
Philip has recorded for Warner Music, ATMA Classique, Analekta, Leaf Music and CBC Music. He can be heard on BBC Radio 3, France Musique, ICI Musique, and CBC Music.
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 provincial, national, and international competitions, including the Concours OSM and the Montreal International Music Competition.
He is grateful for the support of Mécénat Musica, the Sylva Gelber Music Foundation, and the Canada Council for the Arts. Philip also wishes to thank his teachers and mentors; notably, Marc Durand, Jenny Regehr, Susan Steele, and the late Peter Longworth.
Philip is represented by Andrew Kwan Artists Management.