Mackenzie Melemed

Piano

Mackenzie Melemed is an American pianist who has emerged as one of the most distinctive musical voices of his generation. He is the recipient of the 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant and has been praised by The New York Times for his refined interpretations, technical finesse, and strong communicative presence.

Born in Massachusetts, Melemed began studying piano at the age of four and amassed extensive stage experience early on, with over 500 performances by age thirteen. These formative years shaped his natural ease on stage and his close connection with audiences.

He has appeared as a soloist with orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Helsinki Philharmonic, and the Polish Radio Orchestra, and has given recitals at venues such as Carnegie Hall. His programming is noted for combining core repertoire with lesser-known works and contemporary music.

A graduate of The Juilliard School and a Steinway Artist, Melemed has been based in Finland since 2020, where he performs regularly with orchestras and at major festivals.

Participating in these concerts

Idyll

The concert takes the listener through American soundscapes and Romantic highlights – from Edward MacDowell’s New England Idylls and Nicky Sohn’s poetic Cynthia and Deer

Roots

In this relaxed concert, we return to the roots of much of the Western art music – folk music. In the welcoming atmosphere of the

Re:Vision

This concert weaves together tradition and renewal through four strong voices from different eras. Charles Ives’s folk-inspired String Quartet is followed by Nicky Sohn’s sparkling

Rodeo & Rhapsody

In this concert, star oboist Nicholas Daniel is truly given space to shine. The evening opens with Copland’s rhythmic Buckaroo Holiday from the ballet Rodeo,

Rodeo & Rhapsody

In this concert, star oboist Nicholas Daniel is truly given space to shine. The evening opens with Copland’s rhythmic Buckaroo Holiday from the ballet Rodeo,

Final Concert

Romeo och Julia The festival’s closing concert opens with the powerful Montagues and Capulets from Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet. The evening continues with