Valentina Lisitsa has been performing in the world’s most prestigious concert venues and greeted by enthusiastic audiences throughout the world; her recital début in Vienna’s Musikverein Golden Hall (2008) received multiple standing ovations from the audience, known to be the toughest to please. She has a cult-like internet following, attracting millions of views on her YouTube channel. While possessing an extensive and varied repertory (more than forty concertos and hundreds of solo works) she admits, however, to having a special affinity for the music of Rachmaninov and Beethoven. In 2010 she recorded all Rachmaninov Concertos with the London Symphony Orchestra (Michael Francis conducting) and is embarking on another ambitious project, recording Beethoven’s 32 Piano Sonatas. Future releases will include a disc with Rachmaninov’s solo works including the neglected First Sonata, a complete set of Chopin Etudes and concertos by Brahms, Beethoven and Strauss. Born in Ukraine, Valentina Lisitsa lives in the United States, making her home in North Carolina’s countryside.

Doing it her way: Jeremy Siepman talks to indomitable Valentina Lisitsa