Pianist Claire Huangci felt drawn to the works of Sergei Rachmaninov, which led to the recent release of her fourth solo album, Rachmaninov: The Preludes, by Berlin Classics.

To Claire, Rachmaninov is not only a great pianist and composer, but a noble human being. Through her work she tries to show humility and honesty, traits she thinks Rachmaninov was also trying to portray.

“I find solace in his music, and I feel that audiences are able to understand it right away because there is such a human element within,” she said.

This latest release shows her maturity in her work, starting her career at a young age and never tiring of the art form.

“Happiness is fleeting,” Claire said. “I feel that for me, the constant search in my art is what keeps me interested and curious in life. A thirst for knowledge is my definition of happiness.”

Claire Huangci Wins Concours Géza Anda 2018

She also added to her trophy collection this year. In June, Claire received first place and the Mozart Prize at Concours Géza Anda 2018. The competition has been in existence since 1979 and takes place every three years, dedicating itself to promoting exceptional talent. In addition to a cash prize, Claire was awarded three years of concert management and selection for top performances. She won the competition with her exquisite interpretation of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58. 

When she performs on stage, “there is no other such feeling that is so enlightening,” she said.

Though she studied in Philadelphia during the early part of her career, she moved to Germany alone in 2007 to the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover to study under Arie Vardi until 2016.

She said being a professional musician requires daily discipline because schedules can be different every day. It is up to the musician to “create some order within the chaos.”

One way Claire does this is by trying to imbibe the cultures of the places she visits, not only through visiting museums and local landmarks, but from trying to get to know the local people. “I spend as much time as I can with an eclectic group of friends,” she said.

Musical Interpretation Is Heightened through New Experiences

Claire is taking her continued success with her, performing concerts and working on her art to become the best pianist she can be in order to leave the world with a little hope and inspiration.

“I always believe, the bigger you live, the more you have to share in your music. Therefore, I try to always assimilate new experiences, not only in life, but through books, travel, and getting to know interesting people,” she said.

Listen to Claire’s latest album, Rachmaninov: The Preludes, on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon, and many others.

To learn more about Claire Huangci and see her latest concert schedule, visit her website.