George Tyriard never ceases to surprise me with the extent of his enquiring mind and ability to question and observe his environment. Not only as a pianist, but also as a devoted student of mathematics, language and philosophy, George takes an analytical approach, which, in music, he combines with a remarkable degree of sensitivity and sense of natural flow. Working together has made me realize just how deeply touched George can be by music, while through his own playing, he is able to give the listener an incredibly honest and modest performance of a very intense musical experience. Performing together has been a revelation and has kept me firmly on my feet, but also on the tips of my toes. The combination of his virtuosity on the one hand, and his ability to touch the heart on the other has brought him success and recognition in Belgian piano competitions such as the Steinway, Cantabile and Stephan De Jonghe competition. After his piano studies at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp with Levente Kende and Sergei Edelmann, George moved to Germany to study at the renowned University for mathematics in Bonn, where he is also active as a pianist.

The first time I heard Veronique play was in a masterclass in Antwerp in 2009. I remember it as if it were only yesterday; she captivated the entire room with her lovely smile and an awe-inspiring rendition of Beethoven’s romance in F major. But it was not until 5 years later, in the second year of my higher education that we finally played music together. Veronique’s richness of tone and instinctively beautiful phrasing allowed me to find new ways of integrating what I was trying to achieve in my playing with her indominable spirit and joy for life. It was when we were both studying in Cologne that we would eventually start preparing the program for this CD. Assisted by Barnabás Kelemen and Christian Beldi, Veronique’s drive for perfection was fundamental to obtaining the result of our work. As someone who grew up in a warm and loving family, Veronique was always generous in giving space for my opinions as her chamber music partner. Veronique’s creativity is always spirited and refreshing and for that, I am grateful for the journey so far.