Early Life and Initial Steps in Music
Kristian’s journey with the piano began in his hometown of Zug, where he was born on November 2, 1991. His love for music was evident from a very young age. At just five years old, Kristian started taking piano lessons, and by the age of six, he was already sharing his talent with the world through his first public performance.
Musical Education and Early Achievements
Kristian’s formal musical education began in 1998 when he was admitted to the Musikhochschule Luzern (Conservatorium Lucerne). Under the guidance of Diana Binder, he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the piano. His talent was clear from the start, and he quickly gained experience performing at larger public events. By the age of seven, Kristian was playing in front of audiences of over 350 people. Notably, at just eleven years old, he made his first public appearance with an orchestra — a remarkable milestone that set the stage for his future career.
Continuing Studies and Professional Development
In 2004, Kristian continued his studies at the Zurich University of the Arts (Academy of Music Zurich) in Winterthur, where he was mentored by the esteemed Professor Karl-Andreas Kolly. His dedication to his craft led to his graduation in July 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, specializing in Instrument Performance.
Eager to expand his musical horizons, Kristian pursued further education at the University of Music & Theatre Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy in Leipzig. There, he studied under Professor Christian A. Pohl and later with Professor Markus Tomas, earning his Master of Music degree in June 2015.
Kristian’s pursuit of excellence didn’t stop there. From August 2015 to May 2017, he traveled to the United States to study at the Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana. Under the tutelage of the legendary Professor André Watts, Kristian completed the Performer Diploma program with a major in Piano.
Returning to Zurich, Kristian further enriched his expertise by completing a Master’s program in Piano Pedagogy at the Zurich University of the Arts in January 2020, studying under Professor Hans-Juerg Strub.
Kristian’s academic journey is a testament to his commitment to music, as he holds an impressive four university diplomas—a rare and noteworthy achievement in the world of classical music.
Achievements and Performances
Kristian’s talent has been recognized in numerous national and international competitions. Since the summer of 2021, he has won several prestigious awards, including: 1st Prize at the Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition, Gold Prize at the Global Genius Music Competition, 1st Prize at the IMKA International Music Competition, Gold Award at the Best Classical Musicians Awards, 1st Prize at the ECM Mozart 2022 Mozart International Piano Competition. Latest competition success: Prix d’Honneur at the France Music Competition VII – 09/2024 (highest ranking among all instruments and age categories).
Throughout his career, Kristian has performed in various recitals across Switzerland and abroad, captivating audiences with his expressive playing and deep connection to the music. He is also passionate about collaborating with students and colleagues on musical projects, sharing his love for music with others.
Collaborative projects with other seasoned musicians enable a dynamic exchange of ideas and styles. Whether performing chamber music or engaging in cross-disciplinary collaborations, Kristian consistently seeks to expand his musical horizons and those of his collaborators.
Thank you
Kristian’s journey as a pianist is one of passion, dedication, and continuous learning. Whether performing on stage or teaching the next generation of pianists, Kristian is committed to the art of music.
Thank you for visiting, and we hope you enjoy discovering more about Kristian Cvetković and his music!