MEET THE
MUSICIAN
Petra Persolja
Dr. Petra Persolja, known professionally as the Platinum Pianist, holds a Doctorate of Music in Piano Performance from the University of California Santa Barbara and a performing history that spans the USA and Europe.
As an emerging artist, she is revolutionizing the world of live piano music with her exceptional talent and unique approach to performance. Petra aims to push the boundaries of traditional piano recitals into transformative experiences that connect individuals through the universal language of music. What sets her apart from other performers is her outgoing and energetic personality, as well as her versatility and ability to read any partition on short notice thanks to her classical training.
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Petra’s artistry has been showcased at some of the most prestigious venues, festivals, exhibitions, corporate events, weddings, fashion shows, fundraisers, private parties, solo and chamber recitals, and as a soloist with orchestras. While residing in Santa Barbara she was a regular pianist at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel.
MUSICAL TRAINING
A journey of passion and excellence
Petra’s journey to becoming the Platinum Pianist began in her native Slovenia, where her first piano lessons were held at the local fire station during the independence war. Despite the challenges, her passion for music flourished. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance in New Jersey and concurrently a Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. She continued her education by pursuing a Master's of Music in Piano Performance at the University of Hawaii, where she received numerous awards for her excellence.
Petra’s academic journey culminated in a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of California Santa Barbara, where she was awarded the UCSB Graduate Division Fellowship for her dissertation research on the culturally significant Istrian Scale. Her commitment to classical music is complemented by her love for lively events where people can relax, enjoy any tune without prejudice, and even break into a dance when they hear a familiar song.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND RECOGNITION
Petra’s musical journey has been marked by numerous accomplishments.
She is the winner of 2024 Leigh Weimers Emerging Artists Award, as well as the winner of the 2024 American Protégé competition for her captivating interpretation of Rachmaninoff and is set to perform at Carnegie Hall in November 2024. Her early achievements include top prizes in the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition, UCSB Chamber Music Competition, NJMTA in Princeton, International Music Competition Francesco Forgione in Italy, multiple awards at the National Piano Competitions of Slovenia, and numerous others.
MUSICAL
JOURNEY
Petra's career has brought her to encounter and work with leading figures in the musical industry such as jazz and production legend Quincy Jones, Jazzist Herbie Hancock, Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell, renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, acclaimed pianists Martha Argerich and Lang Lang, internationally celebrated Luka SULIC and Stjepan Hauser from 2Cellos duo, to name a few.
