Pianist Michael Endres has been described by the Boston Globe as “one of the most interesting pianists recording today”, and by Gramophone Magazine as “... an outstanding Schubert interpreter.”

Among his many recordings, he has won the prestigious French award Diapason D’or three times, and was also awarded the ‘Choc du Musique’ twice, with The New York Times writing, “performances with pianist Michael Endres were revelatory.”

Michael will be performing Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with the CSO on 13 March in Lamb & Hayward Masterworks: Turangawaewae.

What are you looking forward to the most about the concert and, in particular, performing Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini?

It’s a premiere for me, the Rachmaninov Rhapsody, so that always is an exciting aspect, and I am very much looking forward to meeting up again with Ken Young, a very special musician. We found out years ago via an interview that we both admire the music of Arnold Bax, so that was for a Baxian like myself a really nice surprise. We are a rare species.

You've performed throughout the world. What's it like performing in the Christchurch Town Hall and with the CSO. Does it feel any different from the other venues and orchestras?

Every venue and orchestra is different, but there are halls that are special in atmosphere and acoustics, and the Christchurch Town Hall is one of the best concert halls of its kind that I know of. And, of course, playing with the CSO, as I am living in Canterbury, has always had a special feel about it, particularly as my wife Susan is a first violinist in the orchestra.

What was the moment when it clicked for you that you would like to become a professional pianist?

At age 7, when I discovered that piano at my neighbour's house. The final decision was made when I was 18, as I was also thinking of studying literature (called “Germanistik”), a field that interests me still very much. However the piano took precedence and still does.

What was your most memorable concert experience?

In 1997, on the very day of Schubert’s 200th birthday I performed Die Winterreise with the famous Baritone Hermann Prey in Suntory Hall, Tokyo, which was televised live throughout Japan. (They take classical music rather seriously over there.) It’s actually a toss up between that concert and the performance of Die Schoene Muellerin at LaScala in Milan.

What do you do off-stage that provides you inspiration on-stage?

Trying to find enough time to do other inspiring things, such as reading books and watching movies that deal with culture and history in depth.

Lamb & Hayward Masterworks: Turangawaewae, Saturday 13 March, 7.30pm, Christchurch Town Hall.