A fearless interpreter of large-scale piano works both modern and historical, pianist Jason Hardink’s recent debut at Weill Recital Hall was lauded for its audacious programming and pianism demonstrating ‘abandon and remarkable clarity’ as well as a ‘capacity for tenderness and grace’ (The New York Times). Hardink’s recent solo repertoire includes Michael Hersch’s The Vanishing Pavilions, Messiaen’s Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus, Liszt’s Transcendental Studies paired with Boulez’s Notations, and Wolfgang Rihm’s numbered Klavierstücke, all of which he plays from memory.

Recent performances include his debut at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music as soloist in the North American premiere of Gerald Barry’s Piano Concerto with conductor Cristian Măcelaru; Michael Hersch’s The Vanishing Pavilions at Wien Modern; Liszt’s complete Transcendental Studies, performed on an 1852 Bösendorfer at Music in Context (Houston); and works by Shawn E Okpebholo, Brittany J Green and Beethoven’s ‘Hammerklavier’ sonata for the NOVA Chamber Music Series.

Much sought after as a chamber musician, Hardink has collaborated in recital with violinists Augustin Hadelich, Nicola Benedetti and Philip Setzer. He has appeared in chamber music series all over the US and has commissioned large-scale piano works from various composers, including Jason Eckardt, Anthony R Green and Jeffrey Holmes. Hardink has performed concertos with conductors Sir Donald Runnicles, Carlos Kalmar and Brett Mitchell. He resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he holds the position of Principal Keyboard with the Utah Symphony and serves on the piano faculty at Westminster College.