I have been playing piano since the age of four. My mother often tells the story that what first led her to enroll me in lessons was my fascination with Frédéric Chopin. We would listen to his music in the car, and she remembers that I would hum the melodies with surprising accuracy, enough to convince her that I should learn to play. It is one of the few times I admit she may have been right.
From early on, I was especially drawn to the emotional depth of Chopin and Sergei Rachmaninoff. I didn’t have the words to explain it then, but I felt something in their music that stayed with me.
That connection grew stronger over time, especially through my teacher, Ronn Yedidia, who encouraged me to think about the stories behind the music. Learning about the in composers’ lives, including their struggles, discipline, and resilience, changed how I approach what I play.
As I prepare to perform Chopin’s Ballade, I am drawn to its sense of storytelling and contrast. It feels both structured and free at the same time and connects back to what first made me love this music. I thank you in advance for listening.
Watch Nathan Zachary Lyubarsky perform Moment Musicaux Op. 16 No.4 by Sergei Rachmaninoff on the piano for the 2026 Spring Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.
Watch Nathan Zachary Lyubarsky perform Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23 by Frédéric François Chopin on the piano for the 2026 Virtuoso Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.