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Hailed by La Scena Musicale as a rising star, Tiohtià:ke/Montréal-based pianist David Potvin is known for playing that is “always controlled and beautiful” (Chris Wolf, Classic 107). As the winner of the 2022 Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, he went on a recital tour across Canada, performing programs of all Canadian piano music. He recorded repertoire from that tour on his debut album, Catharsis, which was described as “distinctive and highly accomplished” (Gramophone Magazine). He can also be heard on composer-pianist Edward Enman’s album Breathe In, Breathe Out, performing music for piano duo. His performances have been broadcast on radio stations across Canada, including the CBC.
David is a versatile performer with a wide range of repertoire. His imaginative programs seamlessly combine standard repertoire and contemporary music with a focus on Canadian composers. Recent concert highlights include the American premieres of numerous Canadian works at the University of Arkansas, a recital with violinist Martin Beaver, and a recital in collaboration with the Canadian Music Centre celebrating the works of Quebec composer Jacques Hétu. He has also performed for the Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg, the Regina Musical Club, the Bathurst Chamber Music Festival, and the Scotia Festival of Music. Internationally, David has performed in festivals in the USA, France, Romania, and England. His overseas appearances have been supported by the Nova Scotia Talent Trust.
Equally passionate about teaching, David maintains a private piano studio where he teaches students of all ages in both of Canada’s official languages. He has also given masterclasses at universities across Canada and the United States. He is a member of the Royal Conservatory of Music’s College of Examiners, and he has adjudicated for festivals and competitions across Canada. He is a member of the Quebec Registered Music Teachers Association.
David received his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Toronto in the fall of 2020. There, he studied with Marietta Orlov and won the DMA recital competition. His thesis on the pianist Ricardo Viñes, who premiered many solo piano works by Ravel and Debussy, brought new information about this celebrated musician into English-language scholarship.
David is currently researching Léo-Pol Morin, a Quebec pianist and critic who was instrumental in bringing the avant-garde musical movement to Canada. He plans to record Morin’s compositions alongside the music of his contemporaries.
In his spare time, David enjoys watching soccer, cooking, exploring Montréal, and trying to keep up with his busy toddler.