London September 2015; DMus programme at the GSMD
Full of motivation to learn, I enrolled on the Doctoral programme under the tutelage of Ronan O’Hora, David Dolan, Razia Sultanova and Claire Taylor-Jay
Gunel Mirzayeva
PIANIST & CREATIVE THINKER
Current Projects
In May 2026 I recorded my debut solo album 'Silk Road to Bach' with the UK classical record label Deux-Elles. It is due to be released in 2027.
In April 2026 I recorded another Bach album with the Azerbaijani State Chamber Orchestra. The release date to be confirmed.
First performance of the 'La 1001e Nuit des Mille et une Nuits' with the Swiss Compagnie La Renaissance will take place on 31 January 2027. Click here for more information
In April 2026 I recorded another Bach album with the Azerbaijani State Chamber Orchestra. The release date to be confirmed.
First performance of the 'La 1001e Nuit des Mille et une Nuits' with the Swiss Compagnie La Renaissance will take place on 31 January 2027. Click here for more information
Future Projects
'Joie de Vivre' coming in 2028.
Future Projects
'Joie de Vivre' coming in 2028.
About Me
About Me
With a lifelong passion for making music, I have developed a deeply personal approach which weaves together various musical styles. I've constantly sought to improve my musical knowledge and in 2006, I moved to London from Azerbaijan. The performance opportunities that followed, helped me gain invaluable experience as a concert pianist.
Some of my most memorable performances include concerts at the Wigmore Hall, the Barbican Hall in London, and Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.
Since completing my doctorate in 2020, I have endeavoured on an exciting musical journey creating a series of experimental adaptations of J. S. Bach's keyboard works and reprogramming my concert repertoire. Most of these projects have formed a core material for my upcoming recording releases and piano recitals.
Scroll down for some of my most important moments of inspiration over the years that helped me find my artistic path!
About Me
With a lifelong passion for making music, I have developed a deeply personal approach which weaves together various musical styles. I’ve constantly sought to improve my musical knowledge and in 2006, I moved to London from Azerbaijan. The performance opportunities that followed, helped me gain invaluable experience as a concert pianist.
Some of my most memorable performances include concerts at the Wigmore Hall, the Barbican Hall in London, and Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.
Since completing my doctorate in 2020, I have endeavoured on an exciting musical journey creating a series of experimental adaptations of J. S. Bach's keyboard works and reprogramming my concert repertoire. Most of these projects have formed the core material for my upcoming recording releases and piano recitals.
Scroll down for some of my most important moments of inspiration over the years that helped me find my artistic path!
Timeline
Lucerne November 2016; Masterclasses with Prof. Robert Levin
One of the leading experts on classical improvisation, Robert Levin, offered me guidance on the interpretation of Bach’s keyboard repertoire.
Salzburg August 2017; Mozarteum International Summer Academy Continuing my work with Robert Levin has expanded my focus on introducing embellishment practises in Bach’s Suites, Mozart and Scarlatti Sonatas. During the summer of 2017, I started researching historical and cultural methods of improvisation in Bach’s Goldberg Variations, Fikrat Amirov’s Variations for Piano and Azerbaijani mugham.
Leipzig February 2018; Bach-Archiv Leipzig
During my one-week studies with Robert Levin in Leipzig, I began implementing my own ideas to repeated sections in Bach’s Partitas, French & English Suites. Through my work on Gara Garayev’s compositions, I became deeply interested in contrapuntal Azerbaijani piano repertoire.
Banff December 2018; Banff Artist Residency
The two-week residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity was very memorable for me and it was where my research on Bach-Mugham crystallised.
London June 2019; Doctoral Recital
A special day for me! The recital at the Milton Court Concert Hall showcased how the four-year research period enabled me to express a renewed understanding of music through my native roots.
Click here to read my doctoral thesis
Paris November/December 2019; Cité des Arts Artist Residency
My two-month artist residency at the heart of Le Marais in Paris inspired me to continue refining my work on Variations on Goldberg. The unique atmosphere of researching, exploring art, performing and living in Paris helped me to expand my artistic imagination.
London March 2020; Doctor of Music Award
Only a week before the national lockdown in the United Kingdom, I was awarded the degree of Doctor of Music. I could not be more grateful to my family, teachers, friends and everyone else who inspired me to keep pursuing this exciting musical journey!
London September 2015; DMus programme at the GSMD
Full of motivation to learn, I enrolled on the Doctoral programme under the tutelage of Ronan O’Hora, David Dolan, Razia Sultanova and Claire Taylor-Jay
Lucerne November 2016; Masterclasses with Prof. Robert Levin
One of the leading experts on classical improvisation, Robert Levin, offered me guidance on the interpretation of Bach’s keyboard repertoire.
Salzburg August 2017; Mozarteum International Summer Academy
Continuing my work with Robert Levin has expanded my focus on introducing embellishment practises in Bach’s Suites, Mozart and Scarlatti Sonatas. During the summer of 2017, I started researching historical and cultural methods of improvisation in Bach’s Goldberg Variations, Fikrat Amirov’s Variations for Piano and Azerbaijani mugham.
Leipzig February 2018; Bach-Archiv Leipzig
During my one-week studies with Robert Levin in Leipzig, I began implementing my own ideas of the repeated sections in Bach’s Partitas, French & English Suites. Through my work on Gara Garayev’s compositions, I became deeply interested in contrapuntal Azerbaijani piano repertoire.
Banff December 2018; Banff Artist Residency
The two-week residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity was very memorable for me and it was where my research on Bach-Mugham crystallised.
London June 2019; Doctoral Recital
A special day for me! The recital at the Milton Court Concert Hall showcased how the four-year research period enabled me to express a renewed understanding of music through my native roots.
Click here to read my doctoral thesis
Paris November/December 2019; Cité des Arts Artist Residency
My two-month artist residency at the heart of Le Marais in Paris inspired me to continue refining my work on Variations on Goldberg. The unique atmosphere of researching, exploring art, performing and living in Paris helped me to expand my artistic imagination.
London March 2020; Doctor of Music Award
Only a week before the national lockdown in the United Kingdom, I was awarded the degree of Doctor of Music. I could not be more grateful to my family, teachers, friends and everyone else who inspired me to keep pursuing this exciting musical journey!
DATES 2026 & 2027
5 September 5pm & 7:30pm
LONDON, UK
235 Shaftesbury Avenue
Piano Recitals
Click here for tickets
10 September 7pm
LONDON, UK
St. Martin-in-the-Fields
Piano Recital
Click here for tickets
14 November 5pm & 7:30pm
LONDON, UK
235 Shaftesbury Avenue
Piano Recitals
Click here for tickets
1 January 5:30pm
CARDIFF, UK
Llandaff Cathedral
Piano Recital
Tickets information coming up soon
31 January 6pm
ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE
Villa-du-Châtelet
Piano Recital with Compagnie La Renaissance
Click here for tickets & more information
5 September 5pm & 7:30pm
LONDON, UK
235 Shaftesbury Avenue
Piano Recitals
Click here for tickets
10 September 7pm
LONDON, UK
St. Martin-in-the-Fields
Piano Recital
Click here for tickets
14 November 5pm & 7:30pm
LONDON, UK
235 Shaftesbury Avenue
Piano Recitals
Click here for tickets
1 January 5:30pm
CARDIFF, UK
Llandaff Cathedral
Piano Recital
Tickets information coming up soon
31 January 6pm
ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE
Villa-du-Châtelet
Piano Recital with Compagnie La Renaissance
Click here for tickets & more information