STEPHEN NIELSON

Pianist, Composer

When the precocious ten-year-old ended his first full-length recital in Dallas, many in the audience predicted for Stephen Nielson a stellar career. And since that event, Mr. Nielson has dazzled audiences with an artistry that has been lauded all over the world. From his orchestral debut at the age of 11, to his success at the Queen Elizabeth Competition in Brussels, to his earning the Distinguished Performer and Phi Beta Kappa honors at the famed Indiana University School of Music, he has consistently justified that early enthusiastic response and prediction.

His extensive concertizing has taken him to stages in such cities as Hong Kong, Bogota, Caracas, Freiburg, Copenhagen, Berlin, London, Vienna, Brussels, Tokyo, Dresden, Prague, Salzburg, Coventry and Madras. Recent seasons have featured Mr. Nielson in recital performances in such diverse American locales as Los Angeles, Kansas City, Boston, Charlotte, Naples, Houston, Chicago, Miami, Detroit, Denver, Seattle and Dallas' magnificent new Meyerson Symphony Center. Further highlighting his worldwide performance itinerary have been recital tours of Switzerland.

In the past few years, Stephen Nielson has expanded his roster of noteworthy concertizing by undertaking solo recital tours of Russia and the Baltic capitals. These recitals, in Moscow, Riga, Tallinn and other cities, were not only a triumphant introduction of this American artist to these music-loving audiences, but also the impetus for reengagements to other venues such as Kiev, Ukraine. Enthusiastic audiences have hailed Mr. Nielson's solo recitals and master classes in Japan as well. Because of his extensive international concertizing, Mr. Nielson has been chosen an official Ambassador of Culture by the World Cultural Alliance.

Acclaiming the playing of Stephen Nielson in Germany, the Berlin Morgenpost said, "Highly sensitive . . . articulate artistry." And in response to a performance in Belgium, the Brussels Le Soir wrote that his was "exciting and masterful playing."

Stephen Nielson's discography includes recordings of the classical solo repertoire, music for piano and cello in collaboration with the celebrated American cellist, Anne Martindale Williams, and recordings of hymn tunes in the classical style. His writing achievements, in addition, are listed in the catalogues of several American publishers. Teaching remains an enthusiastic pursuit for Stephen Nielson, and he maintains a limited schedule for working with gifted young people and adults in the North Texas area. He also accepts a few invitations annually to conduct master classes in performance, practicing and repertoire.

Stephen Nielson and his wife, Carolyne, reside in Dallas and are the proud parents of two young daughters, Christiana and Caroline. By far their father's youngest students, the girls no doubt comprehend the meaning of their dad's favorite expression, "It's never too early!"

Booking Information:
Nielson & Young's booking agent:
Larry Sparks Agency
2829 Parkview Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(805) 493-2716
E-mail:Lsparksagy@aol.com