“…one of the most promising
performers of the 21st century,
so much so that no one would
doubt that he may well become
a figure of worldwide prominence.”

LA NUEVA ESPANA


DARRETT ZUSKO

Rapidly establishing himself as one of today’s most electrifying young concert artists, Canadian pianist Darrett Zusko continues to garner much critical acclaim wherever he performs. “Clearly a phenom…” raves the Cincinnati Enquirer, he has been praised for having a “powerful technique and sonority” (La Presse) and “exceptional musicality and virtuosity” (La Nueva España – Spain).

Still in his early twenties, Mr. Zusko has already been repeatedly engaged as soloist with many of today’s leading orchestras, including those of Toronto, Cincinnati, Montréal, Ottawa, Niagara, and Louisiana, having collaborated with conductors such as JoAnn Falletta, Victor Feldbrill, Jacques Lacombe, Erich Kunzel and John Morris Russell to name but a few. A top prizewinner at the prestigious Montréal International Musical Competition and the New Orleans International Piano Competition, he is also the recipient of numerous other awards including the first prize and people’s choice award at the Canadian Music Competitions International Stepping Stone, and first prizes at both the Bartók-Kabalevsky-Prokofiev and Oberlin International Piano Competitions.

Recent and upcoming season highlights include touring for Jeunesses Musicales of Canada and under the auspices of Debut Atlantic, appearing as guest artist at major festivals including the Festival of the Sound, the Guelph Spring Festival, Festival Vancouver and the Festival de Lanaudière, as well as collaborating with a number of well-known chamber ensembles including the Allegri and Borealis String Quartets. Notable venues he has performed at with orchestra and in recital include Place des Arts, Roy Thomson Hall, Massey Hall, Glenn Gould Studio, Centre Pierre-Péladeau, the St. Lawrence Centre for the Performing Arts, and many others. As an artist frequently heard on CBC Radio and Radio-Canada broadcasts, Mr. Zusko has been featured on such shows as In Performance, Symphony Hall, and Music Around Us.

Of significant importance in Zusko’s career has been his collaboration with renowned Canadian composer Harry Somers, shortly before Somers’ death. After working with Somers in Toronto, Mr. Zusko gave the premiere of his final work for solo piano. He was later invited to perform the work at the composer’s memorial and recently finished recording it for the Harry Somers Recording Project – an ongoing mission to preserve his complete works on CD.

Born in Windsor Ontario in 1984, Darrett Zusko began studying the piano at the age of four. He has since worked with such distinguished artists as Anton Kuerti, Matti Raekallio, Jerome Lowenthal, Marek Jablonski, Leon Fleisher and Dominique Weber. For seven years he took lessons with Dr. Gregory Butler in Windsor and prior to college studied extensively with renowned pianist Ronald Turini, one of the few privileged students of the legendary Vladimir Horowitz. In September of 2002, Zusko continued his studies in New York City with Julian Martin and currently holds two diplomas from the celebrated Juilliard School. Mr. Zusko is a Yamaha Artist.

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