What conductors and university faculty have written about me
These are not quotes I typed out. Each one is a letter on the institution’s own letterhead, signed. Click any letter to read the whole thing. The only marks on them are gray rectangles where a private home address or a direct phone number used to be — mine and theirs. Nothing else has been touched.
“On February 14th Masha performed brilliantly, eliciting an instant standing ovation from the 1,200 in attendance and playing the Concerto as if it had been part of her repertory for many years.”
He invited her as guest soloist for Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto — a work, he writes, “she had not yet studied or performed.” Earlier in the same letter: “an exceptionally gifted pianist” whose “ease, fluidity, and poetic interpretation” reminded him of Valentina Lisitsa.
Harold Weller · 2010
Founding Music Director & Conductor Laureate, The Las Vegas Philharmonic
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“One of our finest piano majors commented enthusiastically … and noted that this may have been the best recital he has ever attended. Another audience member perceived each note as having a life of its own and noted Ms. Pisarenko’s ability to make the notes ‘dance with each other.’”
After a recital and a masterclass with four piano majors: “The students appreciated Ms. Pisarenko’s musical insights, technical advice, as well as her patient and helpful demeanor.”
Dr. Christian Bohnenstengel, NCTM · 2012
Director of Keyboard Studies, Southern Utah University
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“Ms. Pisarenko is also in charge of teaching some of our music Piano Major students and for preparing them for recitals and juries. In this task she has always done a remarkable work. Her students demonstrate solid technic and musicianship.”
Written by the colleague who observed and evaluated her classes: “knowledgeable and diligent in the classroom … an excellent role model for our piano students.”
Dámaris Morales-Alvarez · 2017
Piano Program Coordinator, College of Southern Nevada
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“I have only the highest praise for pianist Masha Pisarenko … Her performances in both the Beethoven Choral Fantasia and the Mozart Concerto were accorded standing ovations!”
After four programs together over four years. He closes: “Now that she has her doctorate I predict Masha can also look forward to an outstanding career in the educational field.”
Dr. Douglas R. Peterson · 2017
Music Director, Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society
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“As a lead jury, you showed experience and sensitivity to each of the young pianist that were select to play for you; all our participants were very enthusiastic with the Master Class you offer and wanted more time with you.”
Written after she sat as lead juror at the twelfth CSN Piano Concerto Competition.
Dr. Victor Hugo Alvarez · 2012
Music Professor and founder of the CSN Piano Concerto Competition
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“One of my colleagues commented enthusiastically on the performance of the Toccata in E Minor by Bach, admiring Ms. Pisarenko’s ability to convey the complex polyphonic texture by giving each voice its own distinct color (e.g. bassoon, violin, etc.).”
Her second invitation to Southern Utah University in as many years, again for a recital and a masterclass.
Dr. Christian Bohnenstengel, NCTM · 2013
Director of Keyboard Studies, Southern Utah University
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“Masha’s piano skills are formidable and her interpretations sensitive. She was extremely well-prepared in all three programs … and I found her a pleasure to work with.”
The earlier of his two letters, written while she was still working toward the doctorate.
Dr. Douglas R. Peterson · 2010
Music Director, Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society
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“Congratulations to you on becoming First Prize Winner of the Reno Chamber Orchestra Concerto Competition … It appears that you are on your way to a very prominent artistic career.”
From the provost’s office of her own university.
Michael W. Bowers, Ph.D. · 2010
Executive Vice President & Provost, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
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