NDR Kultur
Devilish, virtuoso, and simply: brilliant.
Austrian pianist and composer Kiron Atom Tellian has established himself as one of the most compelling young artists of his generation. Praised for his artistry, imagination, and commanding presence at the keyboard, he has appeared on major stages across Europe, the United States, and South America, and his career continues to expand internationally.
The upcoming season spans three continents, with highlights including his solo recital debut at the Wiener Musikverein and appearances with the Orchestre National de Lyon, the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
la Repubblica
Without resorting to ostentatious virtuosity, articulated phrases, accents, and lyrical lines with remarkable freedom.
The current season has been defined by a series of landmark engagements. Tellian made his solo recital debut at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall, and performed as soloist with the San Diego Symphony at the Rady Shell—both to sold-out audiences. He also stepped in at short notice to perform with the Salzburg Philharmonic in two New Year’s Concerts at the Großes Festspielhaus Salzburg, and toured Israel with the Beer Sheva Symphoniette. The season continues with his Trump Kennedy Center solo recital debut in Washington, D.C. and his return to the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano for an extensive European tour. This summer he returns to Brazil for performances at Cultura Artística, including appearances with the São Pedro Orchestra.
Recent seasons have brought Tellian to some of the world’s most distinguished stages. He has appeared in solo recital at the Vienna Konzerthaus and the Konzerthaus Blaibach, and as soloist at the Vienna Musikverein, with the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, with the El Paso Symphony, and at Cultura Artística in São Paulo, Brazil. His work as a composer has drawn considerable attention, with an orchestral commission premiered at the Vienna Musikverein, with a further commission already in place for the 2027/28 season. Festival appearances have included the Verbier Festival and Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The Tennessean
…an incredible combination of sensitivity and taste.
In fall 2024, Tellian won the Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, one of the most prestigious career-launching competitions for young musicians in the world. Alongside his first-prize victory, he received an extraordinary eight special prizes, bringing major concert opportunities and career support throughout the United States and beyond.
Tellian is the recipient of numerous awards, including first prize and the Haydn Prize at the 17th Ettlingen International Piano Competition, the Grand Prize and special awards at the X. Savshinsky International Music Competition in St. Petersburg, three first prizes at the Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Competition in New York, and the Grand Prize and multiple distinctions at the Nashville International Chopin Competition and the Borderland Chopin International Competition.
Badische Neueste Nachrichten
The bravura and maturity of his playing render speechless.
Tellian has completed his Bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School under Emanuel Ax, having previously studied with Sergei Babayan. He is the recipient of the Kovner Fellowship, which covers the full cost of his studies.