Named one of the "30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30" by CBC Music in 2020, it was said of pianist Jean-Luc Therrien that he "[…] was able to stand out through his frank playing, […] not hesitating to go off the beaten track to reveal to us his personal reading of certain passages. A very refreshing performance. » (La Scena Musicale)
With his playing always resolute, committed and sincere, the native of Repentigny in Quebec has for several years led an active career as a soloist, chamber musician, collaborative pianist and educator throughout the world. Among other collaborations, he has shared the stage with notable musicians and ensembles including cellist Colin Carr, cellist Zlatomir Fung, The Happenstancers and the Claudel-Canimex Quartet. In February 2022, he was a soloist with the Royal Conservatory of Music Orchestra at Koerner Hall (Toronto) under the baton of conductor Tania Miller. As a soloist, he also collaborated with Jeunesses Musicales Canada (2016) and Debut Atlantic (2022 and 2025) for concert tours in Quebec and the Maritimes.
Finalist and prizewinner in several competitions including the NTD International Piano Competition in New York City, Mauro Paolo Monopoli Prize in Italy, the Canadian Music Competition Stepping Stone and the Luigi Zanuccoli International Competition in Italy, Jean-Luc Therrien has stood out in many other notable competitions such as such as the Sendai International Piano Competition in Japan, the Lyon International Piano Competition, the Roma International Piano Competition, the Prix d'Europe Competition, the OSM Standard Life Competition, etc.
In addition to being an active performer, Jean-Luc has adjudicated for organizations such as Debut Atlantic and given Masterclasses in music schools around the world including the Conservatoire de Musique du Québec and the Dalhousie University
Photo credit : Gaetz Photography