​

Pia has performed extensively in Europe and the United States. She is currently the artistic director and concertmaster for Cordancia Chamber Orchestra, an orchestra she founded with oboist Kathleen Suher in 2009.  She was previously concertmaster of the UR Symphony Orchestra and the Fynske Sinfonietta, and a member of the Odense Symphony Orchestra. She also has performed as a soloist with orchestras and in many chamber music ensembles. Exploring new music and lesser-known repertoire mark much of Pia’s work. With Japanese koto-player Ryuko Mizutani, she formed Duo vio-LINK-oto, a collaboration that produced a number of new compositions written for this ensemble and three CD recordings.

Pia earned degrees in violin and piano at the Carl Nielsen Academy of Music in Denmark. She came to the United States as a Fulbright student in 1987 receiving her MM (1989) and her DMA (1992)  in violin performance and literature from the Eastman School of Music. Her most influential violin teachers were Palle Heichelmann and Catherine Tait, both students of Ivan Galamian. 

 

Pia has presented lectures and workshops at colleges and conferences, and performed in schools. On many occasions, she has had the opportunity to adjudicate youth competitions including the Steinway Festival in Odense, the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Concerto Competitions, the University of Rochester Symphony Orchestra’s Concerto Competitions, and the SUNY Geneseo’s Young Artists Competition. 

Why the arts matter:

Music is communication, it’s a language to express. It can be reflective and provide new insight. It is a metaphor of life. Music happens in the moment requiring complete presence at all times. It is always in motion like life itself. It takes the utmost focus to learn and play music. The processes of learning music, an instrument, can be transferred to many other aspects of learning and living. Music also fosters positive ways of interacting with other human beings. It connects across and is enriched by differences, it overcomes barriers and language, it necessitates communication and process. The beauty of creating together and of sharing human expression has the potential of carrying a reflection onto society. 

Inspirations:

I love to travel, I enjoy excellence in art and striving for excellence in any aspect of life. I’m refreshed by walks in nature and along the ocean. I’m also inspired by the interchange between performing and teaching which is the vital core of my work.

When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me:

Working with my Cordancia colleagues planning the orchestra’s concert season and educational outreach; or at the computer making posters for the next concert; and of course, in my studio practicing. When I need a break, I love visiting one of the many great coffee shops in the area.

Family:

My husband David Liptak is a composer teaching at the Eastman School of Music. Our daughter, Carena, is a music journalist who currently lives in Kentucky with her husband Greg.