Tír Na HiFi

This news is now a month old, but I didn't realise this until yesterday whilst reading an Obituaries column.

Romanian concert pianist Mihaela Ursuleasa had tragically died aged 33 from what is believed to have been a brain haemorrhage. Cited as being one of the most exciting pianists of her generation, she was championed by Radu Lupu and Claudio Abbado and had played with many of the world's leading orchestras. She was also an exceptional chamber music player and accompanist, not least when in partnership with violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja (whose recent version of the LvB VC has been much talked about).

Ursuleasa began playing piano at the age of 5, and won a scholarship to the Vienna Conservatoire at 13. After coming first in the Clara Haskil Competition in 1995, she embarked upon an International career. Her 2010 debut disk 'Piano & Forte' won the 'Solo Recording of the Year' ECHO Klassik award.

She leaves a 6 year old daughter, Stefanie.

Here is her website:

http://www.ursuleasa.com/

Here is the news from the BBC site:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19108605

Here she is playing Rachmaninov's Etude-tableau op.39:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qnm5WjTAknY

and here are her gorgeous pictures:

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=mihael ... 40&bih=731

I think this is truly terribly, terribly sad....

I did not know of her Jared but it is always tragic when the youg die! She looked so vibrant in her photos.

Tragic alright. No need for such a scummy thread title though.

Ivor wrote:Tragic alright. No need for such a scummy thread title though.

not wishing to be one to offend, Ivor.....

fergus wrote:I did not know of her Jared but it is always tragic when the youg die! She looked so vibrant in her photos.

Fergus, I was actually aware of her, through her work with the magnificent Kopatchinskaja, so I was stunned when I read her obituary... only a debut release to her name with such a potentially bright and optimistic future ahead of her... it really is tragic, especially when she has left such a young daughter.

I read about Michaela Ursuleasa's death a few weeks ago, it is very sad, she had so much to offer and is survived by her little daughter, may she Rest in Peace.

She played at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival in Bantry in 2011, and I think she had been there previously accompanying Patricia Kopatchinskaja. Unfortunately Bantry has been too expensive for me lately.