Berlin-based pianist Catalin Serban is a versatile musician who enjoys a dynamic career as a soloist, chamber musician, and artistic director. Born in Romania, he was recognized early on as a leading representative of his generation, completing his initial studies at the George Enescu Music High School in Bucharest. He continued his education in Germany, supported by several scholarships, studying at the Berlin University of the Arts and the Lübeck Academy of Music under Martin Hughes and Konrad Elser. He is a prizewinner of international competitions in Germany (Bremen Piano Competition), Italy (Senigallia), and Romania. He also gained artistic insights from masterclasses with pianists like Claude Frank, György Sebök, and Pascal Devoyon.
Catalin has performed at prominent venues such as the Konzerthaus Berlin, Berlin Philharmonie, Die Glocke in Bremen, the Romanian Athenaeum, and the Stadtcasino Basel. He has appeared at renowned festivals, including the Beethovenfest Bonn, Brahms-Festival Lübeck, Fränkische Kammermusiktage, and Oberstdorfer Musiksommer. His collaborations as a chamber musician include partnerships with internationally celebrated artists such as Andrei Ioniță, Veriko Tchumburidze, Seiji Okamoto, Ning Feng, Nicolas Dautricourt, Isang Enders, and Tommaso Lonquich.
Catalin has a special affinity for the Romantic and Post-Romantic repertoire, which critics in his native Romania have praised for its “virtuosity, refined clarity, and expressive depth.” This passion also drives his work as the founder and artistic director of the chamber music project “Spielende Insel.” Through this initiative, he brings together high-caliber ensembles to perform chamber music in innovative programs, often incorporating visual art and literature at unique venues like Kühlhaus Berlin.
His discography reflects his artistic vision. The 2018 album Des cloches sonores features works by Enescu, Scriabin, and Schubert. His 2022 solo album Resemblances (Genuin Classics) creates a dual portrait of Chopin and Scriabin, while his 2024 release Mélodies infinies (Naxos) showcases piano quartets by Fauré and Enescu. Piano News described his playing as “energetic and expressive – with power and nuanced dynamics.”
In addition to his performance career, Catalin Serban teaches at the Lübeck Academy of Music and the Hanns Eisler School of Music in Berlin.