The music world is eagerly anticipating the release of “Pianists of the World,” an innovative EP that brings together five accomplished pianists from across Europe. Set to debut on August 2nd, 2024, this collaborative project showcases the talents of John Vegard Schow, Tom Kristiaan, Ron Adelaar, Christof R Davis, and Rasmus Høisgaard Thomsen.
The EP, spearheaded by Norwegian composer and pianist John Vegard Schow, features four tracks, each a unique collaboration between Schow and one of the other featured artists. As of July 30th, 2024, three of the four singles have already been released, building anticipation for the full EP launch.
The track list for “Pianists of the World” includes:
- “Swans of Bruges” by Tom Kristiaan (Belgium) and John Vegard Schow, released on May 25th, 2024
- “Fawns of Amersfoort” by Ron Adelaar (Netherlands) and John Vegard Schow, released on June 13th, 2024
- “Lamb of the Midlands” by Christof R Davis (UK) and John Vegard Schow, released on July 14th, 2024
- “Crane Dance of Närke” by Højsgaard (Sweden/Denmark) and John Vegard Schow, set for release with the full EP on August 2nd, 2024
The project originated from Schow’s travels across Europe in September 2023, during which he met with the collaborating composers in their respective studios in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK. This initiative was supported by organizations such as Music Norway and Musikkforleggerne.
John Vegard Schow, the driving force behind this project, brings a wealth of experience to the collaboration. A professor of performing music with a focus on music production, Schow holds a master’s degree in musicology from the University of Oslo and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from The Grieg Academy, Norway. His diverse career spans multiple genres, including jazz, electronic, classical, and compositions for animation TV series, commercials, and podcasts.
Schow’s recent works include solo piano albums such as “FOG – Lyrical pieces for piano” (2020), “Meistersaal Sessions – Live from Berlin” Parts 1 and 2 (2022 & 2023), and the “REST” EP (2023), which has garnered nearly 4 million streams. His compositions have reached global audiences through projects like the animated series “City of Friends,” which has been broadcast in over 180 countries.
The “Pianists of the World” EP represents a significant milestone in Schow’s ongoing musical journey. It not only showcases his collaborative spirit but also highlights the diverse talents of pianists from across Europe. The project aligns with Schow’s passion for creating music and working with other artists.
As the release date approaches, music enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing this unique collection that promises to take listeners on a global musical journey. To build anticipation, a preview playlist featuring tracks from the upcoming EP is already available on Spotify. This sneak peek offers an early taste of how the project will showcase each artist’s individual talents while revealing the synergies created through their collaboration.
The Norwegian company Make Music Publishing AS holds publisher rights for all tracks on the EP, underscoring the international nature of this musical venture.
“Pianists of the World” will be available on all major streaming platforms from August 2nd, 2024. For those interested in following John Vegard Schow’s work, you can check out his website here. If you’re interested in more of the social/streaming side of things, his music can be found on various platforms including Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
As the music world eagerly anticipates the release of “Pianists of the World,” this EP stands as a testament to the power of musical collaboration across borders, promising a rich and diverse listening experience for piano music enthusiasts worldwide.
