As a pianist that “leaves no question about his riveting presentation and technical finesse” (Seattle Times), Canadian pianist Kevin Ahfat is acclaimed to be “poised to become one of the young heirs of the classical piano realm, with a bold, boundary-pushing, millennial style matched by refined execution” (Vanguard Seattle). Possessing “a balanced mix of expressiveness and virtuosity” (Musical America), he “summons plenty of thunder power in the big moments, but clearly values musicianship over mere showmanship” (American Record Guide). Ahfat was named one of CBC Music’s 30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30 and released a live recording of Brahms from CBC’s Studio 211.
Highlights of recent seasons include engagements throughout North America, including at the Maison Symphonique in Montreal, Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, Merkin Hall in New York, and with the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra in Los Angeles. He continues performances and recordings as a core member of the ARC Ensemble, one of Canada’s preeminent chamber ensembles and foremost cultural forces. Ahfat has had the privilege of sharing the stage with renowned artists across many genres, including Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Sō Percussion, and Allison Eldredge. Ahfat completed studies at the Juilliard School with Joseph Kalichstein and Stephen Hough and was in-residence as a 2018-19 Rebanks Fellow at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto.
You can hear Ahfat’s First Round performance during Session 2 on Friday, July 31.