Cesar Bernal - Pianist

Cesar Bernal was born in Mexico city in 1968. He started his piano lessons at the age of five and his first public recital at seven. He continued with professional musical studies at the "Escuela Nacional de Música, UNAM", in 1991, where he graduated "Magna Cum Laude" with a Bachellors degree of Arts. He also attended part-time lessons at the Gildhall School of Music and Drama of London. Between 1996 and 2002, Cesar also studied at Rotterdam's Conservatory, where he graduated with a master degree as concerto pianist. International master classes were given to him by such important maestros as Barbara Hesse-Bukowska, Piotr, Paleczny, Jorge Federico Osorio, Eva María Zuk, Joerg Demus, Igor Tcherniawsky, Arie Vardi, Bernard Flavigny, Einar Steen Nokleberg, Frank Fernández.

He has performed concertos in Mexico, Norway, U.K., USA, and Holland, his presentations includes recitals, chamber music and soloist presentations for several orchestras. Within the realm of his virtuoso activities there are several recordings for the radio and TV of Mexico and Norway. Participation at international festivals such as "Med Grieg I Verden" Norway, "Rotterdamse piano driedaagse" Holland and " The Music Festival Emiliana de Zubeldía" Mexico are of his utmost concern. Cesar Bernal was considered among the young mexican chopinists by "La Sociedad Cultural Federico Chopin de México A. C.", 1991-1993. For several years Cesar Bernal also performed concertos as the pianist of the SADKO quintet, integrated by well known soloists from Moscow, 1997-2000.

Important first prizes were won by Cesar Bernal in Mexico, among them are: The "Franz Liszt" competition in 1986, UNAM the "Ravel and Villa-lobos" competition in 1987, UNAM and the "Edvard Grieg" national piano competition in 1993. He also was granted scholarships for further artistic refinement from FONCA 1997-98, and FOECA, the first granted by the Mexican federal goverment and the latter by the Mexican state of Guerrero 1998-99. The "Diario de México" medal was granted to him by the Mexican journal of the same name in 1991. Finally the "Gabino Barreda" medal from the National University of Mexico (UNAM) in 1992 was granted to him because of his exceptional academic trajectory.