Biography
“Dana Nigrim belongs to the world of interpretation and possesses the charisma and the ability to give strong life to the musical works which she performs. I believe she is a multi-faceted artist, of a great versatility, who will have a career of first caliber as a pianist. She has a considerable repertoire and it is remarkable to listen in what a ease way and with what conviction she approaches different styles.”
Maria João Pires, who had appreciated Dana Nigrim’s “powerful talent and great musicality”, had recommended her for the Advanced Interpretation Course at the National Superior Conservatory of Paris with the pianist Theodor Paraskivescu (who, like Dinu Lipatti, was one of Nadia Boulanger's ancient brilliant students).
In Paris*, her musical personality and interpretation were noticed by the pianist François-René Duchâble as well:
“Listening to Dana Nigrim play works of Debussy, Ravel, Chopin and Schubert, I was very much impressed by the character she succeeds in giving to each of her interpretations. Her rhythmic rigor, her natural sense of the phrase, the quality of her toucher, her very solid technique; everything makes her a pianist able to approach all styles in the happiest manner.”
Canadian composer John Rea, also noticed her “remarkable scope of musical interest and abilities:
She is at once an energetic and subtle artist, comfortable with the classics as well as with more exploratory masterpieces of the early 20 th century. She demonstrates the uncanny aptitude of being able to play in a variety of styles and genres while maintaining both the historical and authentic outlook of the musical work and, at the same time, reserving for herself the interpreter’s privilege of performing one’s own renditions, thoughtful reinterpretations that bring freshness to a familiar repertoire.”
Living in Montreal*, several Canadian institutions rewarded her with scholarships of excellence: Conseil des Arts du Québec, the University of Montreal, Les Amis de l'Art of Montreal.
As concert soloist she performed concertos of Rachmaninov, Chopin, Schumann, Grieg, Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Ph. E. Bach, J. S. Bach, her repertory also including concerts of Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Gerswhin among others. She has also given many Chamber Music recitals and collaborated with singers: Leontina Vaduva, Ruxandra Donose, Felicia Filip, Liliana Bizineche, Dimitri Pittas, Joseph Kaiser, Elena Vassilieva, Nathalie Choquette, Marie-Annick Béliveau, Louise Marcotte, teachers: Jan Simons, Joanne Kolomyjec, Thérèse Sevadjian, Stefano Algieri, Michael Meraw, Winston Purdy, Lucile Evans, Sylvan Sanford, Bill Neill, Robert Savoie, Bernard Turgeon, Maria Pellegrini, Gaston Germain, Claude Corbeil, Laura Pudwell, Eduardo del Campo, Lyne Fortin, composers: Wolfgang Bottenberg, and also with instrumentalists: members of Montreal Symphonic Orchestra, Quatuor Arthur LeBlanc (Canada), Quatuor Casal (Swizerland), Trio Berlani, Virgil Frâncu, Mark Simons, Liselyn Adams.
Her experience as voice coach and accompanist includes working at opera institutions - Opera of Brasov, Opéra Bastille (Paris), Atélier lyrique de l'Opéra de Montréal, CAMMAC, International Vocal Arts Institute -, collaborations with voice teachers - École Normale de Musique (Paris), Faculté de musique de l'Université de Montréal, Schulich School of Music of McGill University -, and participations at contests and festivals as International Festival and Competition "George Enescu", NATS and Canadian Music Festival.