ROSS SALVOSA

"Salvosa certainly has no apparent trouble with even the most-difficult technical elements of [Chopin’s Op. 10 Études]... Études No.8 is particularly well-handled and the concluding No. 12 (“Revolutionary”) is delivered with considerable flair... [three excerpts from Stravinsky’s The Firebird] are well-handled by Salvosa and are rhythmically effective... The disc as a whole is clearly a personal statement and is certainly well-played."

Mark J. Estren, InfoDad [September 2024]

"... expert, secure and fluid interpretations...of Chopin's Études Op 10... 
impressive playing [of Stravinsky's Firebird ]... a worthy, well-planned and superbly-played recital."

Keith Bramich, Classical Music Daily [August 2024]

"The professional achievements of Filipino pianist Ross Salvosa are well documented in the booklet notes for 'Phoenix Rising.'... To these accomplishments we can now add that of 'lion tamer,' to judge from the very demanding program he has chosen in this album.... The most severe challenges begin with the twelve Op.10 Etudes by Frédéric Chopin...a challenge that Salvosa is keen to meet... Perhaps even greater challenges present themselves in three pieces from Igor Stravinsky’s ballet The Firebird... The Finale is the most difficult piece of all to execute... This is a great moment for Salvosa, and he relishes all its challenges."

Phil Muse, Atlanta Audio Club [Fall 2024]

The tragic events of 2020, especially George Floyd’s senseless killing, stirred deep emotions in me—anger, grief, and a sense of injustice. Amidst this turmoil, I confronted my biases and prejudices, striving for a better future for myself and future generations. This journey strengthened my resolve to stand with the marginalized, be a voice for the voiceless, and champion equity and diversity. In my quest for selfacceptance, I’ve chosen music that resonates deeply: Molina’s Malikmata, Tapales’ Mindanon Orchids, San Pedro’s Salamisim, Chopin’s Etudes Op.10, and the Stravinsky-Agosti Firebird. The Filipino pieces are threads of my cultural tapestry, reclaiming my heritage and identity. Chopin’s tudes reflect my tumultuous journey, each note a battle against self-doubt and fear. The Firebird symbolizes transformation, emerging from despair with newfound courage and conviction. Through this program, I invite you on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Let the music stir your emotions, awaken your spirit, and ignite transformation. In music, we find the courage to embrace our true selves and each other with love and understanding.

Ross Salvosa is a pianist and educator, known for his heartfelt and dynamic performances and dedication to piano pedagogy. He is a faculty member at Central Washington University, where he co-directs CWU PianoFest and advises the CWU Piano Club / MTNA Collegiate Chapter. Additionally, he teaches at the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp. Salvosa has performed and adjudicated in numerous competitions, notably the Seattle International Piano Competition, Steinway Canada Young Artist Piano Competition and the Philippine National Music Competition for Young Artists. His expertise is sought after for piano pedagogy lectures and master classes, which he has presented for organizations including Steinway Young Artist in Canada, British Columbia Registered Music Teachers Association and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. An active member of the Music Teachers National Association, Salvosa serves on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force of the Washington State Music Teachers Association. He was also on the 2023 MTNA Conference Planning Committee and chaired the 2023 MTNA Poster Session.  Salvosa contributes to the Seattle International Piano Festival and Competition as an advisory board member and outreach coordinator. From 2012 to 2018, he was the chairman and artistic director of the Music Without Borders Society in Vancouver. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of British Columbia and Masters and Bachelors of Music degrees from the Conservatory of Music at Lynn University in Florida. [ www.salvosapiano.com ]
  ANTONIO MOLINA (1894-1980)
MALIKMATA (Transfiguration)

RAMON TAPALES (1906-1995)
MINDANAO ORCHIDS
 
LUCIO SAN PEDRO (1913-1902)
SALAMISIM (Reminiscence)
 
FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN (1810-1849)
ÉTUDES, OP.10
Étude No.1 in C major
Étude No.2 in A minor
Étude No.3 in E major “Tristesse”
Étude No.4 in C-sharp minor “Torrent”
Étude No.5 in G-flat major “Black Key”
Étude No.6 in E-flat minor
Étude No.7 in C major
Étude No.8 in F major
Étude No.9 in F minor
Étude No.10 in A-flat major
Étude No.11 in E-flat major “Arpeggio”
Étude No.12 in C minor “Revolutionary”
 
IGOR STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) | Guido Agosti (1901-1989)
THE FIREBIRD
Danse infernale du roi Kastchei
Berceuse
Finale
 

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Recorded 29 August–1 September 2023 at McConnell Auditorium, Central Washington University, Ellensberg, Washington. A Candlewood Digital high resolution Natural Presence™ recording: Produced, edited and mastered by Richard Price. Engineered by Bill Levey, Via Audio.
 



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