Steven V-L Lee Steven V-L Lee
Steven Termini pianist, composer, improviser
" The concert began with works by the interpreter, which remained completely open whether
the pieces were written, fixed compositions or an improvised flash of inspiration [they were in
fact improvised]. In any case, the courage and riches of a brainstorm, provided that it revolved
around improvisation, are, for one of today's pianists, somewhat unusual."
- Süddeutsche Zeitung, Munich
"When things go particularly well in a concert, it can be like catching a glimpse of God out of the
corner of my eyes. I know that God is much closer than this, but I am nevertheless grateful for even
the glimpse, since my performances often depend on the constant struggle to see anything at all."
- Steven Termini
One of today's highly unique artists, Steven Termini is a former Rotary Foundation
International Ambassadorial Scholar to London, England, where he most recently studied
with Tatiane Sarkissova at the Royal Academy of Music. As a pianist, composer, and improviser,
he has performed internationally in Russia, Germany, England, Norway, Australia, and the USA.
His uncommon range of musical talent was recognized from a young age, including Second Prize
in the Boston Conservatory's national Competition for Young Composers (leading to the World
Premier of his String Quartet No.1) and a critically acclaimed solo concert at the Kloster Andechs
in Germany at 21 years of age.
Termini's completely improvised solo piano concert in Flekkefjord, Norway elicited a standing
ovation, while his appearance in the Continuum Ensemble's inaugural Competition for Improvisers
(London, England) earned him Second Prize and a special prize by audience vote. Termini's Halling
Variations for Violin Soloist and Orchestra (Requiem for Edvard Grieg) was given its World Premier
in St. Petersburg, Russia by Australian violinist Sun Roh and the State Academic Capella Orchestra
under the baton of British conductor Rudi Eastwood. Termini subsequently joined Ms. Roh for
concerts which included the three Brahms Sonatas for Violin and Piano at St. Petersburg's
Sheremetev Palace and Moscow's Rerikh Museum. Other unique collaborations have included duo
projects with animator Chiaki Tanaka, dancer Jem Darski, jazz double-bassist Josh Jones, and
London Underground featured visual artist Fari Shams.
Translations from the German by Valerie Mishek.