PIANO
FRANCESCA HURST
FRANCESCA HURST
Recognized for her “tender lyricism” (The Washington Post), yet not afraid to shout, swing her foot onto the piano or don fingerless gloves if the music demands it, pianist Francesca Hurst divides her playing evenly between classical and contemporary music, and has a special interest in women composers. She makes sense of the music regardless of style and period, and is passionate about connecting with audiences. She is on the piano faculty at The Catholic University of America and the University of Virginia.
EXCITING NEWS!
I was invited to be a Festival Artist at the 2024 Wintergreen Music Festival in Wintergreen, Virginia, where I will be a collaborative artist-in-residence for 2 weeks in July!!!
2023-2024 SEASON
Last concert of the '23/'24 season! Sunday, May 5 at 3pm in Frederick, MD
Calvary Community Concert Series
This season's programming includes music by Jennifer Margaret Barker, Faina Lushtak, Caroline Shaw, (featured on my upcoming debut album), as well as Frederic Chopin and some new surprises.
Finale of Faina Lushtak's Sonata in C, Meet the Artists Series, recorded live at CenterStage Reston
Appearances include:
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Friday Nights at Redeemer, Church of the Redeemer, Bethesda, MD
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The Washington International Piano Series, Washington, DC
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Christopher Newport University, Norfolk, VA
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Friday Music Series, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
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Bonita Lestina Series, Fairfax, VA
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Calvary Community Series, Frederick, MD
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Mildred McDaniel Concert Series, Newport News, VA
NEWS
My pedagogical video featuring Faina Lushtak's piece "Old and New" is live on the "From the Artist Bench" page at PianoInspires.com, the digital home of the Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy. These videos discuss preparation, interpretation, and performance of advanced piano repertoire. Watch here (note - you must be a Piano Inspires member to view the video).
I've been named to the Virginia Commission for the Arts' Performing Artist Touring Roster!
LESSONS
Let's make music! Private piano lessons for motivated students. Creating well-rounded musicians. Inspiring musical playing. Learn more HERE.
DAILY DOSE OF PIANO
A little musical medicine, if you will.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, I shared 100 piano pieces, one piece each day, to bring some music and beauty into the world.
LISTEN
There's something magical about live performance, those moments that transcend time and space, where the audience experiences the artist becoming one with the music. I strive to create these moments
in all of my performances.
PREMIERES
I love premiering pieces because I get to present brand new music to the world! It's incredibly exciting, and a big responsibility, and I do my best to understand the music and convey its message to the audience. I cherish interacting with composers to expand my comprehension of the music.
As a Contemporary Ensemble fellow of the 2021 Atlantic Music Festival, we premiered over 50 works in the span of 6 weeks!