An elegant, whismical
and imaginative tone
— Midi-Libre, France
Sandrine Erdely-Sayo
Sandrine Erdely-Sayo, an internationally acclaimed pianist and composer, as well as the Artistic Director of Piano on the Rocks International Festival, and Director of the Anna-Maria Moggio International Piano and Voice Competition, made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2014, a performance that marked a pinnacle in her illustrious career. Born in Perpignan, France, her musical journey began at the age of four, under the tutelage of exceptional mentors like Michèle Puig (Pablo Casals's God Daughter), Denyse Rivière, and Christian Manen. Her early brilliance earned her the French Minister of Culture Prize at the age of thirteen, making her the youngest recipient of this prestigious honor. She later triumphed in international competitions, including first prize at the Scène Française International Piano Competition in Paris and prize winner of the Ibla International Piano Competition in Italy among others. At fourteen she wrote Three Pieces for Chamber Orchestra that were played at the Chatelet Theater in Paris.
After rigorous training in harmony, counterpoint, and fugue at the Paris Superior Conservatory and receiving first prize, Sandrine pursued her master’s degree in piano and composition at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia under the guidance of Susan Starr. Her artistry transcends borders, with performances at globally renowned festivals such as the Festival de Prades in France, Jewish FIlm Festival in Philadelphia, Bach Festival in the United States, Festival de las Hispanidades in Spain, Festival de Piano in Colombia, as well as collaborations with orchestras and chamber ensembles worldwide. She has played in prestigious halls like the Louvre in Paris and Preston Bradley Hall in Chicago, and for radio and television in various countries. In 1991, Sandrine Erdely-Sayo worked with the Chopin Foundation in Argentina who sponsored her first recording of the integral work of Primitivo Lazaro under the Randolfo Label. She made the first recording of Poulenc's early Trois Pastorales (discovered by Dr. Schmidt), which she played at Towson in 1995.
Her compositions, including "Platero y Yo" for piano and narrator and "Hymn to Sedona," demonstrate her ability to weave narrative and melody into evocative musical experiences. "Hymn to Sedona" earned a nomination for the American Song-Writing Award. Sandrine's critically acclaimed CD, Majestic Liszt, under Navona Records, showcases her profound interpretations of Franz Liszt's works. Praised for its lyrical breadth and aristocratic authority, the album features pieces such as "Romance in E minor," "Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude," and "Saint François de Paule marchant sur les flots." Reviewers have highlighted her ability to channel her technique into deeply musical expressions, drawing comparisons to legendary pianists like Claudio Arrau and Jorge Bolet. The recording has been celebrated for its emotive depth, solidifying Sandrine's reputation as a masterful Liszt interpreter. She was described by Gary Graffman as “one of the finest pianists with exceptional quality who brings a fresh style which is clearly European in approach
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Sandrine is a member of the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry and the Mega Society, organizations committed to fostering intellectual exploration. She was also part of the Artists Painters of the 17th Arrondissement of Paris, a group that celebrates artistic expression and creativity. Her diverse career and unrelenting passion for music continue to inspire audiences across the globe.
She is represented by Port-Royal Pinnacle Productions.
www.erdelysayo.com