JulianToha Resume

      Known for his passionate performances, poetic imagination, and technical command, American pianist Julian Toha has acquired a reputation as "an exciting young artist of the 21st century." As a soloist and chamber musician he has inspired audiences throughout the United States, as well as abroad, with his "highly emotional and original interpretations". His memorable concerts have received wide acclaim. When asked about his goal as an artist, Toha answers "I just want the audience to fall in love."

Since premiering with the Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra and the Florida State University Philharmonia in February 2009, Julian Toha has cultivated a growing career allowing him to share his communicative performances with audiences everywhere. In summer of 2009, Toha brought his passion for music to Europe playing debut concerts in Italy, Spain, France and Germany. His most recent debut was in Los Angeles under maestro Frank Fetta and the Culver City Symphony Orchestra in June 2010.

Upon his return from Europe in 2009, Toha established his performing arts company Hidden Reflections. This company aims to revolutionize the performance tradition of classical music through artistic collaboration (www.hidden-reflections.com). As Toha describes, “Diverse ensembles transport the audience to an imaginative mindset. This allows them to be enriched by the many different art forms simultaneously and experience how all human creativity is connected at the most basic level”.

As a competitor, Toha has garnered several wins in regional and national competitions. In November 2008, he received first place in the Ars Flores 7th Annual Young Artist Concerto Competition. Soon after, he won the 2008 Young Artist Competition at the Florida State University College of Music. Early in 2009, he won second place and received the Max Kaplan Award in the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition. Then Toha entered the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra Instrumental Competition in March 2009 and while competing with the top musicians from across the nation, he was the only pianist selected to advance to the final round. On the international stage, Toha was selected in May 2009 as one of the youngest competitors in the International Beethoven Piano Sonata Competition and advanced to the semifinal round. In October 2009, Toha won first place in the NWFSO Young Artist Competition and is scheduled to perform with the orchestra in February 2011.

A recipient of numerous awards and scholarships, Toha's most prestigious was earning the title of 2009 National Presser Scholar. In May 2010, he graduated with a Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance from Florida State University. While studying as an undergraduate, his professor and mentor was Leonard Mastrogiacomo. Prior to college, he studied with pedagogue Sue Colvert. He has also studied with renowned pianists and pedagogues such as John Perry, Solomon Mikowsky, and Ian Hobson. Toha now resides in London pursuing his studies in piano with Ian Jones, Professor of Piano at the Royal College of Music. Apart from music, he loves cooking, exercising, and all forms of art. For more information visit www.juliantoha.com.

Updated:  September 6, 2011

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