Noteworthy

With a career spanning more than 15 years, Jan Lisiecki has become a beloved figure at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, having made his début in 2012 and gracing our stage numerous times since. As an award-winning pianist of extraordinary talent and depth, Lisiecki is set to open the TSO’s 2024/25 season with Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, a performance that promises to captivate our audience once again. Balancing a demanding global performance schedule with a mindful approach to life, Lisiecki reflects on the rituals and experiences that ground him—whether it’s baking bread at home, exploring the world’s cities, or finding inspiration in nature. His thoughtful presence both on and off the stage continues to shape his artistry, making each performance a deeply personal and unforgettable experience.

The key for me is to stay true to myself—both in my personal life and in my professional career. This has always been very important to me, and it’s something that guides me through the challenges of performing more than 100 concerts a year. It’s harder than you might think, especially in the world of classical music.

It’s difficult to put into words, but I’m not setting out to change the world. If I can touch even a few people on Earth—give them something special to enjoy and remember through my music—then I’ll feel that part of my life has been deeply satisfying.

I’ve always believed strongly that music should be a sanctuary and a respite from the challenges of the world.

It’s important to be yourself on stage; you shouldn’t pretend to be something you’re not because the audience can see through that. All the factors in your daily life—what you do, what you eat, even the sourdough bread that’s in the oven—somehow influence how you play and how you perform on stage.

Some performances are memorable for the circumstances involved, and some are memorable just for the hall or the experience. This year, my Carnegie Hall solo début was memorable in every sense. Then there are others, such as working with esteemed conductors like Claudio Abbado and Stanisław Skrowaczewski —he was 91 and I was just 19 when we performed together. These are performances that will stay in my heart for a lifetime. I will cherish those memories forever.

There’s a beauty and perfection in nature that we, as musicians, strive to emulate—of course, we can only succeed to a certain degree. 

I find a lot of inspiration in museums and galleries, in seeing cultures, and in the meaning behind paintings and other art forms. After visiting a gallery or museum, I often reflect on the amazing things I’ve seen, and those experiences certainly influence my performances and interpretations. 

During the pandemic, I picked up baking sourdough bread, and it’s something my whole family enjoys. When I’m home in Calgary, which isn’t often, I find myself waking up in the mornings and making bread. It’s a small ritual—getting the bread ready, then enjoying a tea while it bakes, especially in the summer when I can sit in the garden. I’m only home for short periods, so it’s difficult to have a fixed routine

Recently, I’ve been into travel adventure books—not just about travel itself, but about places. I read an interesting book about a crew in Brazil searching for uncontacted tribes in the Amazon, and I loved Arabian Sands by Wilfred Thesiger, which is probably one of my favourites of the genre.

I don’t put on headphones and go for a walk—that’s not me. I prefer to listen to nature and my surroundings.

I always make time to explore cities. It’s important for me to not only be there to play but to see the local culture beyond the concert hall. I’ve gotten to know some cities and countries really well. Often, I’ll take public transportation to a concert.

I’m not trying to find the best restaurant in every city. I’m happy finding something authentic and good, and I’ll eat anything local.

It’s not just about playing perfectly; it’s about what you can share with the audience in that moment. It’s a great honour and a privilege to be in front of an audience. They’ve come, spent their money, and most importantly, their time to be there. They’re expecting a great evening, and it might be their one concert of the year. 

It’s not that easy to go to sleep after a concert, but playing as often as I do, I’ve learned.

See Jan Lisiecki with the TSO:

Pictures at an Exhibition - Wed, Sep 25–Sat, Sep 28, 2024
All Beethoven with Lisiecki - Wed, Feb 5–Thu, Feb 6, 2025
Lisiecki Plays Chopin - Fri, Feb 21–Sat Feb 22, 2025