Artist in Residence 2025 – 26
Aaron Pilsan
'For me, Beethoven was always more than just a composer - his music is an expression of strength, freedom and inner conviction. I was able to work with great personalities such as András Schiff, Daniel Barenboim, Alfred Brendel and especially Lars Vogt, who was not only a mentor for me, but also a deep human inspiration. These encounters have had a decisive influence on my approach to Beethoven. Beethoven's works - whether in the grand form of the piano concertos or in the fine dialogue of chamber music - demand not only technique but also attitude. They are honest, uncompromising and full of courage. Especially in times like these, I feel how much his music reminds us to stand up for something. That's why the upcoming residency at the Beethoven-Haus Bonn means so much to me. Playing at this historic venue is not just an artistic honour for me - it feels like a dialogue with Beethoven himself. And I'm looking forward to sharing this journey.' - Aaron Pilsan
Named ‘Best Young Artist of the Year’ by the specialist magazine FonoForum, Aaron Pilsan was also voted a Rising Star by the European Concert Hall Organisation. Invitations to some of the most important concert halls in the world followed. Aaron Pilsan has since established himself internationally and performs at venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Vienna Konzerthaus. His Bach recordings in particular have earned him great acclaim, including the title ‘Recording of the Year’ (Gramophone) and the 'BBC Music Magazine Award'. Aaron Pilsan is inspired by the transformative power of music and is convinced that he can change people for the better through music. In 2022, he played a Bach marathon for Ukraine at the Philharmonie in Szczecin. The concert was broadcast simultaneously in the USA, Europe and Australia. As a dedicated mentor, he supports amateur and aspiring professional pianists through the Pilsan Academy, which he founded. As a student of the legendary Karl-Heinz Kämmerling, he himself was influenced by other renowned mentors, including Sir András Schiff, Maria João Pires, Lars Vogt and Daniel Barenboim.
Aaron Pilsan presents himself at the Beethoven-Haus with a solo Beethoven programme, a duo recital on the anniversary of Beethoven's death and a trio evening.
- Aaron Pilsan, piano
The selection made by Artist in Residence Aaron Pilsan allows the entire spectrum of Beethoven's oeuvre to be experienced - from the elegance of the early works to the visionary darkness of the middle phase and the transcendent clarity of his late works.
- Ludwig van Beethoven, Klaviersonate op. 14, Nr. 1 E-Dur
- Ludwig van Beethoven, Klaviersonate cis-Moll op. 27 Nr. 2 "Mondschein"
- Ludwig van Beethoven, Klaviersonate c-Moll op. 111
- Aaron Pilsan, piano
- Alexey Stadler, violoncello
- Dr. Stephan Eisel, moderation
The duo concert by artist in residence Aaron Pilsan with cellist Alexey Stadler to mark the anniversary of Beethoven's death is not just an encounter between two instruments, but also a lively dialogue between two voices that carry Beethoven's spirit forward.
Conversation concert in collaboration with the Bürger für Beethoven
- Robert Schumann, Fantasiestücke op. 73 Alfred Schnittke, Sonate Nr. 1 für Violoncello und Klavier
- Alfred Schnittke, Sonate Nr. 1 für Violoncello und Klavier
- Ludwig van Beethoven, Sonate für Klavier und Violoncello A-Dur op. 69
- Aaron Pilsan, piano – artist in Residence
- Juri Valentin, oboe
- Sindy Mohamed, viola
'Fairy Tales and Legends' - Artist in Residence Aaron Pilsan opens up a new world of sound with intimate colours and unexpected perspectives in the interplay of piano with oboe and viola and, in the spirit of Beethoven, shows himself to be curious about chamber music, experimental, honest and deeply human.
- August Klughardt, Schilflieder op. 28
- Robert Schumann, Drei Romanzen op. 94, Märchenbilder op. 113
- Charles Martin Loeffler, Zwei Rhapsodien
- Robert Kahn, Serenade op. 73