Biography
Christopher Atzinger, an American pianist, has drawn critical acclaim both domestically and overseas. Gramophone in the UK highlighted his "abundant energy, powerful fingers, big sound, and natural musicality." His performances have frequently centered on American works.
Born in Jackson, Michigan, on March 19, 1977, Atzinger began piano studies at the age of six. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin in 1999, earned a master's degree from a Michigan institution in 2001, and received his doctorate from the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University in 2005. He maintained connections to his home state through appearances with the Jackson Symphony, broadcasts on Detroit's WJR, and performances on WGTE-FM in nearby Toledo, Ohio. International recognition followed from medals earned at piano competitions in New Orleans and Seattle as well as the IBLLA Grand Prize Competition in Italy. Recital engagements have taken him to major venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, the Salle Cortot in Paris, and the American Academy in Rome. Concerto performances include those with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Springfield (Massachusetts) Symphony, along with additional ensembles.
Atzinger's recordings have attracted particular notice, with airplay on Performance Today via the U.S. National Public Radio network. Releases have appeared on the MSR, Naxos, and Delos labels, with an emphasis on lesser-known American repertoire after his initial two MSR albums. A Naxos recording in 2012 presented piano music by Judith Lang Zaimont, while a 2014 return to MSR yielded American Lyricism, featuring works by Christopher Theofanidis, Richard Danielpour, Monica Houghton, Justin Merritt, and Pierre Jalbert. In 2019, Delos issued his album devoted to 19th-century American composer John Knowles Paine. Prior to his 2005 appointment to the faculty at Minnesota's St. Olaf College, Atzinger taught at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania and has conducted master classes at numerous American institutions.
Born in Jackson, Michigan, on March 19, 1977, Atzinger began piano studies at the age of six. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin in 1999, earned a master's degree from a Michigan institution in 2001, and received his doctorate from the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University in 2005. He maintained connections to his home state through appearances with the Jackson Symphony, broadcasts on Detroit's WJR, and performances on WGTE-FM in nearby Toledo, Ohio. International recognition followed from medals earned at piano competitions in New Orleans and Seattle as well as the IBLLA Grand Prize Competition in Italy. Recital engagements have taken him to major venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, the Salle Cortot in Paris, and the American Academy in Rome. Concerto performances include those with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Springfield (Massachusetts) Symphony, along with additional ensembles.
Atzinger's recordings have attracted particular notice, with airplay on Performance Today via the U.S. National Public Radio network. Releases have appeared on the MSR, Naxos, and Delos labels, with an emphasis on lesser-known American repertoire after his initial two MSR albums. A Naxos recording in 2012 presented piano music by Judith Lang Zaimont, while a 2014 return to MSR yielded American Lyricism, featuring works by Christopher Theofanidis, Richard Danielpour, Monica Houghton, Justin Merritt, and Pierre Jalbert. In 2019, Delos issued his album devoted to 19th-century American composer John Knowles Paine. Prior to his 2005 appointment to the faculty at Minnesota's St. Olaf College, Atzinger taught at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania and has conducted master classes at numerous American institutions.
Albums
