NDR Kultur

» Devilish, virtuoso and simply: brilliant. «

November 2021 

Austrian pianist and composer Kiron Atom Tellian has quickly established himself as one of the most compelling young artists of his generation. Praised for his artistry, imagination, and commanding presence at the keyboard, Tellian has already appeared on major stages across Europe, the United States, and South America, and his career continues to expand internationally.

This season marks a series of major debuts that highlight his rising profile. He will appear with the San Diego Symphony, make both his Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center solo recital debuts, and join the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano on its European tour, which includes performances at the Großes Festspielhaus Salzburg.  His international engagements will also bring him to Israel for a tour with the Beer Sheva Symphoniette.

The Tennessean

»…an incredible combination of sensitivity and taste. «

October 2023

Recent seasons have brought Tellian to some of the world’s most distinguished stages. He has appeared in solo recital at the Vienna Konzerthaus, performed with orchestra at the Vienna Musikverein, and made notable debuts with the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, the El Paso Symphony, and at Cultura Artística in São Paulo, Brazil. His work as a composer has also drawn attention, with an orchestral commission premiered at the Vienna Musikverein. Festival appearances have included invitations to the Verbier Festival, Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and the Konzerthaus Blaibach.

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, as well as the Grand Prize and multiple distinctions at the Nashville International Chopin Competition and the Borderland Chopin International Competition.

la Repubblica

» Without resorting to ostentatious virtuosity, articulated phrases, accents, and lyrical lines with remarkable freedom. «

November 2024

In Fall 2024, Tellian won the Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, one of the most prestigious career-launching platforms for young musicians in the world. Alongside his victory, Tellian was awarded an extraordinary eight special prizes, offering him major concert opportunities and career support throughout the United States and beyond.

Born in Vienna, Tellian began studying piano at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW) at the age of seven, making his orchestral debut at nine. He is currently finishing his Bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, where he studies with Emanuel Ax, having previously studied with Sergei Babayan. He is a proud recipient of the prestigious Kovner Fellowship, which covers all expenses related to his studies.