Ekaterina Melkamini – Pianist and Founder
Carrying forward the legacy of the Russian piano school, Ekaterina Melkamini combines its depth with her own innovative vision as a teacher and performer. For over 25 years, she has been a guiding force for young pianists, inspiring them to find their unique voice while cultivating the discipline and imagination essential to true artistry. Many of her students are winners of national and international competitions, while her former pupils continue their careers as performers and educators across the United States and Europe.
Renowned as a pedagogue, performer, and composer, Ekaterina is in demand internationally. She serves on the faculty of the Prague International Piano Festival and is the founder of the Varese International Piano Festival—her newest initiative devoted to fostering the next generation of pianists. Her lectures and workshops for teachers further reflect her commitment to sharing knowledge and artistry with the wider musical community.
Her work often explores the intersection of music with literature and the visual arts. Together with Ukrainian-American pianist Mykola Suk, she created the acclaimed lecture-recital Franz Liszt. Musical and Literary Pilgrimage. She also designed the series Dialogues in ad libitum style and Beyond the Score, both aimed at broadening students’ artistic horizons and deepening their musical insight.
In performance, Ekaterina has appeared widely in chamber music, art song, and theatrical productions, premiering works by contemporary composers such as Virko Baley and Libby Larsen.
Leading the ProArt Foundation as president and creative director, she supports young talent worldwide, providing platforms through scholarships, concerts, and exhibitions that help shape the musicians and artists of tomorrow.