Pianist Matthias Kirschnereit is internationally renowned for his ability to bring out all the complex emotional colors of his repertoire, with a special focus on the Classical and Romantic eras. He had an unconventional entry into his field—born in Dorsten, Germany, in 1962, he lived in the desert climes of Namibia from ages nine through 14, dreaming of forming a rock band, and went to Detmold, Germany, to begin serious piano studies at 14—late for a classical musician. His gift was such that he made up for lost time. Eventually, the mentorship of piano legends Claudio Arrau and Murray Perahia helped to direct and focus his talents. Kirschnereit began his recording career in 2000 and devoted a large part of the 2000s to recording the piano sonatas of Mozart with the Bamberger Symphoniker. His distinguished concertizing career has taken him around the world, working with many top outfits, including the St. Petersburg Philharmonic and Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich.