Pianist Jan Lisiecki loves being on the road — saying ‘it’s an incredible life’

After an extensive European tour last fall, German violinist Julia Fischer and Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki embark on an American leg this spring. The duo, who first appeared onstage together at the 2022 Rheingau Festival, will perform sonatas by Mozart, Beethoven and Schumann, in cities including Vienna, Virginia (Wolf Trap); Princeton, New Jersey; Boston, New York City and Chicago, where he and Fischer will perform in an SCP Chamber Music recital March 30 at Symphony Center. 

BBC Music Magazine has called Lisiecki “perhaps the most complete pianist of his age,” which makes him an ideal recital partner for the equally acclaimed Fischer.

Asked if he has a preference — recitals or orchestral work — Lisiecki cites the advantages of each form. “It’s almost like two different professions,” he said in an interview with San Francisco Classical Voice. "Playing a recital, you have complete control, freedom and responsibility. You are the only source of inspiration. You’re playing by yourself. You can do whatever you like in the moment.

"With an orchestra, if you’re playing with the greatest, you have that same freedom, and you get the response, the feedback, but you don’t have ultimate control over everything.

“The main difference is how you engage with the audience. In a solo recital, you guide them through the whole performance. It’s not only solos or cadenzas with an orchestra. It’s a completely different environment.”

At 29, Lisiecki spends much of his time on tour. But it’s a situation he loves. “If you can enjoy touring — and I do — it’s an incredible life,” he said. Right now I’ve been on the road for a long time: 18 performances in one month [including solo recitals, along with his duo concerts with Fischer). I enjoy traveling, exploring, seeing countries, museums, different cities — that’s always been very enjoyable to me.

“But during the pandemic, I also realized how much I enjoy being home — gardening, going camping, skiing, being with family. In the summer, I have a few weeks off at home. Touring is a lot in terms of personal life.”

After his tour with Fischer ends, he heads to Europe for a series of orchestral concerts through May. Then he will spend the early summer on a solo recital tour, with a few orchestral dates mixed in. He loves it.