Born in 1980 to parents who were professional violinists, music was instilled in American pianist Jonathan Biss’s life even before he was born. At age six, he began enthusiastically studying piano. At age 17, he entered the Curtis Institute of Music, where in 2010 he was appointed to the piano faculty. At age 20, Biss made his New York City debut, and since has performed with some of the foremost U.S. and European orchestras.
What few have known until recently, was that Biss suffered for years with performance anxiety and debilitating panic attacks, some of which forced him to abruptly end his performances. After one such attack, Jonathan realized that he could no longer hide his struggle, and that he needed to face his anxiety head on and address it openly.
Biss believes that honesty is an absolute priority for an artist; otherwise, all the technique, listening and understanding in the world amounts to little. Today things are changing. Athletes, actors, public officials and musicians have gone public with their mental health struggles. Despite his struggle, music provides Biss with tremendous satisfaction, and he regards it as a privilege to share his struggle with others.
Biss now shares his story in the audio diary Now Unquiet: The Journey of Pianist Jonathan Biss. Where he was once ashamed of his anxiety, Jonathan credits therapy and mindfulness for helping him manage it. In essence, acknowledging its existence, but learning to work with it to enhance his playing.
WXXI Classical promotes and supports inclusion for musicians of all abilities through programming and special events. WXXI’s Move to Include Initiative is made possible by a generous grant from the Golisano Foundation.
Music: Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 26