I began playing piano in the second grade, and ten years later, it has become an essential part of who I am. I take weekly lessons and perform twice a year, once in the winter and once in the spring. However, my relationship with music goes far beyond formal recitals.
In the beginning, I enjoyed only one genre of music along with its elegance: classical music. As I grew and matured as a pianist, my tastes expanded, leading to a passion for jazz and the art of playing by ear. I love the freedom and joy of sitting at a piano wherever I find one. Whether it’s at a family gathering or a restaurant in New York City, I enjoy playing pieces that people from all over the world can recognize and connect with.
One of my favorite moments as a pianist was performing at the Russian Samovar in New York City, where I had the opportunity to play “Dark Eyes” for an audience of complete strangers, who quickly became engaged listeners. To me, that is the magic of music. I love how it goes beyond language and background to bring people together. I feel grateful every time I sit at the piano, knowing that what started out as a childhood hobby has grown into a lifelong passion.
Watch Isabella Purygin perform Waltz from musical illustrations to Pushkin’s novel “The Snowstorm” by Georgy Sviridov on the piano for the 2025 Summer Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.