Julius Asal (piano) – exclusive artist of Deutsche Grammophon) – General Management –
Biography, Audio/Video, Photos, Discography
www.julius-asal.com/
Biography
Praised by Menahem Pressler for his “uniquely beautiful sound and special sonority“, German pianist Julius Asal is quickly establishing himself as one of the promising performers of his generation.
In October 2023, Deutsche Grammophon has announced the exclusive signing with Julius
Asal. Moreover, he was recently selected as a BBC New Generation Artist from September 2024 for two years.
The young pianist, named as Rising Star 2024 by Classic FM, is a regular guest at international festivals (Oxford Piano Festival, Rheingau Music Festival, Festival Piano aux Jacobins Toulouse, Piano Festival Ruhr (Germany), Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad, L‘Esprit du Piano Bordeaux etc.) and has performed in prestigious concert halls such as Wigmore Hall London, Musikverein Vienna, Suntory Hall Tokyo and Laeiszhalle Hamburg.
In spring 2022, Julius Asal’s debut album was released by the Spanish label IBS Classical featuring works by Sergei Prokofiev as well as Asal‘s own arrangements from the ballet “Romeo and Juliet”, which gained international recognition.
Julius’ first album for Deutsche Grammophon, “Scriabin-Scarlatti” was released in spring 2024. Meanwhile, the pianist was involved in further projects in collaboration with DG, such as the US campaign for World Sleep Day, for which the pianist recorded an improvisation. For World Piano Day 2024, Deutsche Grammophon released Julius Asal’s version of Gustav Holst’s “Mars,” for which he modified the composer’s piano duo version and expanded it with a third piano part.
Improvising and thus an almost native-like access to the piano are also evident in his concerts; for example, in 2024 at his debut at the Seoul Arts Center and as part of the Yellow Lounge in October 2023, where the pianist stepped in at short notice with an innovative concept that combines classical works with improvisations.
His interpretations and the composition of his programs were described by the French newspaper Le Monde as “enchanting uniqueness,” with the headline, “The secret and subtle alliances of Julius Asal.“
photos: Michael Reinicke
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photos: Michael Reinicke
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photos: Michael Reinicke