Jon Nakamatsu

Acclaimed pianist Jon Nakamatsu brings more than three decades of international artistry to the Shenandoah stage in a recital showcasing the elegance, intensity and musical insight that have made him one of America’s most distinguished pianists. Catapulted to worldwide recognition as the Gold Medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition — the only American to earn that distinction since 1981 — Nakamatsu has built an extraordinary career as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and educator. Praised for his electrifying performances and expressive depth, he continues to captivate audiences across the globe.

A frequent guest with more than 150 orchestras worldwide, Nakamatsu has appeared with leading ensembles in Berlin, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Tokyo and beyond, collaborating with many of the most respected conductors of our time. As a recitalist, he has performed at renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, while his acclaimed recordings have earned widespread critical praise. His distinguished career has also included performances at the White House, service on the juries of both the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the United States Chopin Piano Competition, and appointments to the faculties of San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Stanford University.

The afternoon’s program explores the imaginative and transformative power of fantasy in music. It opens with Bach’s timeless chorale preludes in Ferruccio Busoni’s celebrated piano transcriptions, followed by Beethoven’s paired “Quasi una fantasia” sonatas, including the beloved “Moonlight” Sonata. Contemporary works by Elena Ruehr and Vivian Fung — both written for Nakamatsu — offer a striking contrast, highlighting his commitment to championing new music and collaborating with living composers.

The recital concludes with a trio of masterworks by Frédéric Chopin, including the expansive Polonaise-Fantaisie, the dramatic Fantasy in F Minor and the dazzling Andante spianato et grande polonaise brillante. Spanning more than two centuries of musical expression, this thoughtfully curated program showcases the artistry, versatility and interpretive mastery that have made Nakamatsu a beloved performer on stages around the world. 

This performance is made possible by Bettie McGowin Miller and the Betty R. McGowin Charitable Trust.