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Romantic

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Richard Mapp is a renowned classical pianist from New Zealand who has made a name for himself in the international music scene. Born on August 4, 1960, in Wellington, New Zealand, Mapp grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Mapp started playing the piano at the age of five and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Mapp's musical education began at the New Zealand School of Music, where he studied under the tutelage of Maurice Till. He later went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London, where he was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Scholarship. Mapp also studied with Maria João Pires in Portugal and participated in masterclasses with renowned pianists such as Leon Fleisher, Murray Perahia, and András Schiff. Mapp's career as a concert pianist began in the early 1980s when he won the National Concerto Competition in New Zealand. This victory led to numerous performances with the major orchestras in New Zealand, including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. In 1984, Mapp won the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York, which opened the doors to international performances. Mapp's international career took off in the late 1980s when he won the gold medal at the Royal Overseas League Music Competition in London. This victory led to performances in major concert halls around the world, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Mapp has also performed with major orchestras such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Mapp's repertoire is vast and includes works by classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin, as well as contemporary composers such as Messiaen, Ligeti, and Takemitsu. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the works of Schubert and Schumann. Mapp's performances are characterized by his technical brilliance, musical sensitivity, and emotional depth. In addition to his career as a concert pianist, Mapp is also a respected teacher. He has taught at the New Zealand School of Music, the University of Waikato, and the Australian National Academy of Music. Mapp is known for his dedication to his students and his ability to inspire them to reach their full potential. Mapp has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1990, he was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to music. In 2000, he was awarded the Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the arts. In 2013, he was awarded the Michael Hill International Violin Competition Patron's Award for his contribution to the competition. Mapp's recordings have also received critical acclaim. His recording of Schubert's Impromptus was named one of the top classical recordings of 1995 by The New York Times. His recording of Schumann's Davidsbündlertänze was also highly praised, with Gramophone magazine calling it "a performance of great distinction." Mapp continues to perform and teach, and his contributions to the world of classical music are widely recognized. He is a true ambassador for New Zealand music and culture and has inspired countless musicians around the world.

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