Jacob Nydegger (USA/Germany)
Guest Artist

American pianist, Jacob Nydegger, began his musical journey in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas, and has since garnered acclaim from numerous sources. As Theater Jones Journal observes, he is a "gifted performer with formidable technical skill," while Fanfare Magazine compares his "smooth, elegant power" to that of the legendary Van Cliburn. Nydegger's debut album with Toccata Classics garnered widespread acclaim, appearing on the Classical New Releases: Spotify Picks Playlist in 2018. His commercial recording success is further complemented by his success in competition. Notably, he claimed 1st prize at the 2022 Petroff Piano Competition and the 2021 Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition. He has also been recognized with top prizes at the 2021 William Knabe International Piano Competition, the 2021 Richardson Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition, and the 2019 Weatherford International Piano Competition, among others. 

​

A consummate performer, Nydegger has performed on prestigious stages in the US, Europe and Asia. His artistry has led him to perform as a soloist with orchestras such as the Lüneburg Symphony Orchestra, the Colorado College Festival Orchestra and the University of North Texas Symphony Orchestra. His international appearances have taken him to such illustrious venues as the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Dresden Kulturpalast and the Dresden Frauenkirche. In addition to his solo concerts, Nydegger is a sought-after chamber musician and has shared the stage with renowned musicians such as David Ying ofthe Grammy award-winning Ying Quartet, while he also worked for several years as a pianistfor Texas Woman's University. Nydegger is also in demand as an educator, presenting masterclasses and lecture recitals at institutions worldwide, including the University of Texas at San Antonio, International Music House Kuching, and the Musical Arts Center of San Antonio. 

​

Nydegger honed his craft through master classes and private lessons with esteemed pianists such as Yefim Bronfman, Bernd Goetzke, Jerome Lowenthal, Ursula Oppens and Jon Nakamatsu. He completed his studies in the USA with Joseph Banowetz at the University of North Texas. He currently lives in Dresden, where he studied with Hinrich Alpers as a Deutschlandstipendium holder in the Meisterklasse at the Hochschule für Musik Carl Maria von Weber. His latest album, Portraits (music forflute and piano by Peter Senchuk), was released in 2024 and is available on all major streaming platforms. Nydegger's upcoming projects include a second recording with Toccata Classics, featuring works by the important Dutch composer Leo Samama.