Meet the Artist: Pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko

Photo: Diamond’s Edge Photography

JAEDEN IZIK-DZURKO, PIANO

Celebrated by the Canadian Broadcasting Company in 2021 as one of “30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30,” pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko is quickly earning a reputation as a substantial young artist. Recognized by audiences, conductors, composers, and critics alike for the exceptional communicative power and thoughtfulness of his interpretation, “…he projects a distinctive musical personality that imbues even the most routine passagework with character and individuality” (Calgary Herald).

Born in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Jaeden has achieved extraordinary success at numerous competitions worldwide, including four consecutive First Prizes in six months. That remarkable run began by winning First Prize at the 2022 Hilton Head International Piano Competition, followed by Barcelona’s 2022 Maria Canals International Piano Competition in March. In May, Jaeden returned to his native Canada, earning First Prize at The Shean Piano Competition in Edmonton, Alberta. Then, in August 2022, Jaeden was awarded First Prize and the Gold Medal at the 20th Paloma O’Shea Santander International Piano Competition in Spain, where he also garnered a special Chamber Music Award and the Canon Audience Award.

Jaeden has been a featured soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic and numerous other Canadian orchestras. Upcoming concerto engagements include the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra; Edmonton Symphony Orchestra; Okanagan Symphony Orchestra; Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid; Real Orquesta Sinfónica de Sevilla; Orquesta Sinfónica de Bilbao; Orquesta Sinfónica de Radio Televisión Española, and the Sinfónica de Tenerife.

A gifted recitalist, Jaeden was chosen by the Vancouver Recital Society to videotape a solo program for the premiere episode of “Virtually VRS” in fall 2020. Upcoming recital highlights include Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall; Wigmore Hall in London; Salle Cortot in Paris; the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona; the Gasteig de Munich, and prominent venues in Rome, Mallorca, Comprodon, and Olot.

Jaeden earned his Bachelor of Music at The Juilliard School under Dr. Yoheved Kaplinsky, and he currently studies with Dr. Corey Hamm at the University of British Columbia. A passionate advocate for Canadian contemporary music, Jaeden has been recognized for his exciting and insightful interpretations, including a noteworthy 2017 recital in honor of Canada’s sesquicentennial showcasing works all written by Canadian composers.