Werz, Andreas

Andreas Werz has concertized extensively in the United States, Europe, and Asia. His performances have received critical acclaim by the international press: “Brilliant technique, the right feeling for subtle tempo changes, and vitality” (Badische Zeitung, Germany), “Flexible, imaginative, and vivid playing” (Derniers Nouvelles d'Alsace, France), “Technique à la Horowitz, total mastery of phrasing, electrifying” (Il Resto Del Carlino, Bologna, Italy), “Pianist in the true sense of the word” (Punto y Aparte, Xalapa, Mexico), “Brilliant virtuoso playing, lyrical sections of moving simplicity, and above all, electricity” (The Fresno Bee, California).

He has recorded for Thorofon, Laurel, and New Ariel Records as well as Südwestfunk Radio in Germany. In a review of his recording of works by Schumann, Schönberg, and Rihm, the American FANFARE magazine praises his “formidable technique and genuine sensitivity” and states, “the cohesive concept behind the program makes it very satisfying to any collector wanting to encounter a thoughtful artist with real ideas about music history.”

Andreas Werz was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and completed studies under Anneliese Hasselmann, Tiny Wirtz, James Avery, and Philip Lorenz, assistant to Claudio Arrau. In addition, he participated in master classes with Paul Badura-Skoda, Tatiana Nikolayeva, Yevgeni Malinin, Bruno Leonardo Gelber, and Ivan Moravec. He received honors at international piano competitions including the G.B. Viotti in Italy, the Joanna Hodges in California, and the Dr. Luis Sigall in Chile.

Andreas Werz is Professor Emeritus of Piano at California State University, Fresno, where he taught from 1986 until 2022. In 2010 he was invited to serve as one of nine judges for the Rio de Janeiro International Piano Competition in Brazil.

Since 1992 he has served as artistic director of the renowned recital series, "Philip Lorenz International Keyboard Concerts" (www.keyboardconcerts.com).