“. . . Chopin of the highest order. The familiar music emerged under Bemelmans’ hands as a revelation . . . We are not accustomed to hearing Chopin performed with such grandeur."

- Neue Zeitung (Germany)

Born into an Austrian family prominently involved in the arts, Norman Bemelmans gave his first public solo concert at the age of seven. He has studied with international luminaries Jean Houpt, Stefan Bardas, Richard Cass, Patrizia Benkman and Ozan Marsch and toured professionally under the sponsorship of Pobitzer Artists International and the Franz Liszt Foundation.

From 1993-2000 he served in Atlanta as the Executive Director for Georgia Public Radio, Georgia’s 14-station public radio network, and in 2005 was appointed the Director of Cultural Arts at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

An active recitalist in both the United States and Europe, Mr. Bemelmans’ interpretations of the works of Franz Liszt and Frederic Chopin in particular have received enthusiastic critical acclaim.

Mr. Bemelmans will be featured in UNCW's upcoming Chopin200, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010.

MEDIA & REVIEWS

“ . . . Bemelmans’s Liszt is electrifying . . . the audience was cheering even before
the final chord had finished sounding.”

- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“ . . . the combination of lyrical subtlety and virtuosic power was overwhelming in
its impact. Bemelmans plays Liszt the way Liszt is meant to be played.”

- Il Tempo (Italy)

“ . . . Chopin of the highest order. The familiar music emerged under Bemelmans’
hands as a revelation . . . We are not accustomed to hearing Chopin performed
with such grandeur."

- Neue Zeitung (Germany)