Angela Hewitt has gained worldwide fame for her exceptional interpretations of the works of German composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Her profound understanding of Bach’s music, impeccable technique, and emotional depth make her one of the most beloved performers of his compositions globally. Learn more about this celebrated Canadian classical pianist and her journey to recognition through ottawanka.com.
Humble Beginnings
Angela Hewitt was born in Ottawa, Ontario, into a musically inclined family. Her father, Godfrey Hewitt, hailed from Yorkshire and served as the choirmaster at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa. Music became a central part of Angela’s life from an early age.
- At Three: Angela began learning piano under her mother’s guidance.
- At Five: She earned a scholarship and later studied violin with Walter Prystawski, a distinguished Canadian violinist and conductor who served as the concertmaster of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa.
- Additional Studies:
- Recorder lessons with Wolfgang Grunsky.
- Ballet training under Nesta Toumine, an Ottawa-based dancer and choreographer.
At just nine years old, Angela performed her first full-length concert at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, where she continued her studies from 1964 to 1973 under Earl Moss and Myrtle Guerrero. Her education also included tutelage from French pianist Jean-Paul Sévilla at the University of Ottawa.
This robust foundation, combined with her talent and dedication, laid the groundwork for Angela Hewitt’s rise to international acclaim.
Path to Fame
Angela Hewitt has graced the global stage with her solo performances and collaborations with orchestras. Her most notable achievement lies in her recordings of Bach’s works, spanning from 1994 to 2005. These recordings encompass all of Bach’s major keyboard compositions. Highlights of her career include:
- The Art of Fugue: Released on October 17, 2014.
- Performances Beyond Bach: Hewitt has also performed and recorded works by Beethoven, Schumann, Chopin, Debussy, Couperin, Ravel, and more.
- Collaborations with Orchestras:
- Recorded Mozart concertos with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, led by Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu.
- Recorded Schumann’s piano concerto with DSO Berlin and Lintu.
From 2007 to 2008, Angela undertook an ambitious project to perform Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier in major cities worldwide.
Music Festival Founder
In July 2005, Angela Hewitt founded the Trasimeno Music Festival in Umbria, near Perugia, Italy. As its artistic director, she crafted a unique event that draws classical music lovers from around the world. Highlights of the festival include:
- Focus on Chamber Music and Opera: The festival features a carefully curated program with performances by renowned soloists, chamber ensembles, and opera singers.
- Idyllic Setting: Concerts are held in historic venues such as churches, theaters, and open-air locations, enhancing the experience with the picturesque beauty of Umbria.
- Educational Initiatives: Masterclasses and lectures offer young musicians valuable opportunities to learn and grow.
Trasimeno has become one of Italy’s most prestigious music festivals and a memorable destination for individuals, couples, and families.
Love for the Fazioli Piano
Angela Hewitt has a deep connection with her Fazioli F278 piano, a unique four-pedal instrument she chose in 2002. Tragically, this one-of-a-kind piano was accidentally damaged beyond repair by movers in 2020. Valued at over $200,000, the piano’s loss was a devastating blow for the artist.
Reflecting on the incident, Angela shared her sorrow, describing the piano as her “best friend” and “companion,” whose sound allowed her to express herself fully. Despite the loss, recordings on her beloved Fazioli preserve its unmatched tonal quality.
Ambassador of “Orkidstra”
Angela Hewitt is an ambassador for Orkidstra, a social development program in Ottawa inspired by Venezuela’s Sistema model. The initiative uses music to unite children and youth, fostering teamwork and mutual respect. Angela’s masterclasses are highly esteemed, and during the pandemic, she engaged with her audience online, sharing insights and short performances to inspire and educate her fans.
Awards and Recognition
Angela Hewitt’s illustrious career has earned her numerous accolades:
- Order of the British Empire (2006): Awarded by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to the arts.
- Gramophone Hall of Fame (2015): Recognized for her impact on classical music.
- Governor General’s Performing Arts Award (2018): Honouring her lifetime achievements.
- Bach Medal (2020): The first woman in the 17-year history of this Leipzig-based award to receive the honour.
- Wigmore Hall Gold Medal (2020): Acknowledging her numerous performances at this prestigious London venue.
- Oscar Morawetz Award (2022): Presented by the Ontario Arts Council for her exceptional musical contributions.
Angela Hewitt is also a member of the Royal Society of Canada and holds seven honorary doctorates. She is a visiting fellow at Peterhouse College, Cambridge, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in classical music.
Angela Hewitt’s unparalleled dedication to music, extensive body of work, and advocacy for arts education have established her as one of the greatest pianists of our time. Her recordings of Bach’s complete keyboard works and her tireless efforts to bring classical music to diverse audiences continue to inspire and captivate listeners worldwide.
