The Poetry of Chopin

The Poetry of Chopin is the second concert in a two-part spring piano recital mini-series celebrating the richness and expressive range of the piano. Acclaimed Canadian pianist brings a program dedicated to Frédéric Chopin — a composer whose music embodies passion, elegance, intimacy, and virtuosity.

From intimate preludes and lyrical nocturnes to heroic études and large-scale masterpieces, this recital explores the full emotional spectrum of Chopin’s writing, offering audiences a journey into the heart of the Romantic piano tradition.

12 Préludes, Op. 28 Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 19, 22, 23, 16
Ballade No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 52
Nocturne in B Major, Op. 9 No. 3
Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 34 No. 1
Waltz in E Minor, Op. posth.
Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor, Op. 20
— Intermission —
Impromptu No. 2 in F-sharp Major, Op. 36
Mazurka in B Major, Op. 56 No. 1
Mazurka in F Minor, Op. 63 No. 2
Étude in E Major, Op. 10 No. 3
Étude in C Minor, Op. 10 No. 12 “Revolutionary”
Étude in D-flat Major, Op. 25 No. 8
Étude in A Minor, Op. 25 No. 11
Andante Spianato & Grande Polonaise Brillante, Op. 22

A fervent romantic and fearless virtuoso, Canadian pianist Maxim Bernard is celebrated for his refined playing, exceptional phrasing, and deeply expressive sound. Praised by critics and audiences alike, he is one of the few Québec pianists to receive a five-star album rating from Classica Magazine.

Bernard studied for seven years with legendary pianist Menahem Pressler, an experience that deeply shaped his artistic voice. His acclaimed debut album Hommage à Horowitz (Pentatone) earned international praise for its celebration of pianistic tradition and imagination.

A versatile performer, Bernard has appeared as soloist with numerous orchestras across Canada and Europe. Career highlights include the Canadian premiere of Ginastera’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Orchestre Métropolitain, a celebrated Chopin recital debut at London’s Wigmore Hall, and performances at Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw.

A graduate of the Conservatoire de musique de Québec, the Glenn Gould School, and Indiana University, where he earned Master’s and Doctoral degrees, Bernard performs widely while teaching at the Conservatoire de musique de Québec.

The Art of the Sonata — Lucas Porter performs Beethoven and Prokofiev on March 21. .

The Master Piano Recital Series, under the artistic direction of Roland Graham, presents exceptional pianists from Canada and abroad to audiences in the Nation’s Capital, celebrating the expressive power of the piano and supporting access to fine music in the community.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Master Piano Recital Series