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Alis An, a Canadian pianist and Doctor of Music candidate at the Royal College of Music, is pursuing her research under the guidance of Christina Guillaumier and Danny Driver, supported by an HÂþ»­ Studentship.

Alis' concerts have taken her across Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and the UK; recent highlights include an appearance as the soloist for Chopin’s Concerto No. 1 with the Orchestra dell’Università di Milano-Bicocca, in Autumn 2023, at Villa Olmo. Her performing experience, which extends to non-traditional repertoire, led her to collaborate with groups such as London-based contemporary music ensemble Cat’s Cradle Collective. Additionally, her performances for contemporary music initiative 900presente’s productions, including Bruno Maderna's Don Perlimplin (2020) and Philippe Manoury’s Hypothèses du sextuor (2022), were broadcast on Radiotelevisione Svizzera.

Her doctoral research, based on her own artistic practice, aims to delve into the technical nuances of piano performance. Through practical methodologies, Alis seeks to explore the connection between physical movement and sound. Her endeavour is to address existing pedagogical problems associated with technique, unveiling implicit or seemingly inaccessible knowledge, often inherent in 1:1 teaching dynamics.

Alis has received generous support from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Ranald and Vera Shean Memorial Foundation, the Winspear Fund, and the Anne Burrows Music Foundation. Her accolades include the ’19/‘20 Pauline Hartley Award at the Royal College of Music, recognition at international competitions like the Premio E. Tschaikowsky, the Tadini International Music Competition, the Montecatini International Piano Competition, the Canadian Music Competition, and the International Music Competition Paris. Her mentors included William Grant Naboré, Natalia Trull, Sofya Gulyak, Nigel Clayton, Dmitri Alexeev, Gordon Fergus-Thompson, and more.

Faculties / departments: Research

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