Nicholas Deek

A long overdue post to say I’m super grateful to have competed in the 5th Canadian Chopin Piano Competition this August in Toronto. I considered withdrawing in July when I developed to a tendinitis injury that month from over-practising. After months of preparation and focus for this competition, getting injured was disappointing. Luckily, one of my amazing sisters is a physio, and emailed me exercises to complete while I was in Vermont. Fast forward a few weeks, and with... exercise and rest, I had healed. Although I was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the competition, I had a positive experience in the competition and festival. I learned and memorized 2.5 hours of Chopin music in essentially four months and I surprised myself to have pulled it off! A huge congratulations to the laureates (penultimate picture). It was nice to have heard you perform and to have met you; I wish you luck next year in Warsaw! It was wonderful to have also met a great international panel of judges! I made lots of friends along the way, and will remember this competition along with some of the moments from the festival for the rest of my life. I’d like to thank first and foremost Chopin, for all your wonderful music, the Canadian Chopin Society for such a well-organized Competition and Festival, as well as my wonderful teachers (too numerous to note), family, and friends (fans too!) for all your support along the way, especially to those who were able to attend the performance, and to all who tuned in on the live-stream and sent me messages. (The livestream video is still available if you search Chopin Piano Society on YouTube and type Senior Division Round 3). It was the biggest competition I’ve done, and although I did not win, to me, it was still a huge success! #chopin #ottawapianist #canadianpianist #canadianchopinsociety #canadianchopincompetition #canadianchopin5 @ The Royal Conservatory See more

Two weeks ago, my sister Diana Deek got married. It was a beautiful wedding, and I was honoured to share my music for her big day!

Throwback Thursday! About a week after the Chopin Canadian competition last year, I took my dad to see the Lion King musical in New York City. It was a great trip after a busy summer of music-making. If you haven’t seen the musical, I would highly recommend it! #lionking #tbt

One year ago, I competed in the 5th Canadian Chopin Competition, held in Toronto. Here is the video of my performance https://youtu.be/8fAWwPXdr4Y?t=867

Last evening’s sunset performance

Ready for the test: 4 performances in the next 4 days. (Not my first rodeo) Ready for the test: 4 performances in the next 4 days. (Not my first rodeo)

Just finished a rehearsal with Catherine Ferreira for Chris and my sister Diana’s WEDDING on Saturday! Can’t wait!! #weddingmusicottawa #violinpianoottawa

Couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day for an outdoor performance! #ottawamusician #outdoormusic #outdoorconcertsottawa

Just thought: I can’t stop COVID, but COVID can’t stop music. Just thought: I can’t stop COVID, but COVID can’t stop music.

I outdoor concerts. Couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for this outdoor performance! Not a single cloud in the sky. Blessed to live in Canada, and to bring music to people. ... #musicottawa #pianistottawa #covidcantstopthemusic

I am saddened by the loss of Leon Fleisher. He was highly regarded amongst musicians. He has been referenced by so many world-class pianists in masterclasses. I find gratitude that his memory lives on, in many ways. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been taught by one of his students. My heart goes out to all Mr. Fleisher was close with, especially his many students. Rest In Peace, Maestro.

I wondered about this! I hope this will indeed take place in 2021!

2020-2021 enrolment open for piano/online lessons! Feel free to share or tag anyone who may be interested. Did you know piano lessons has these benefits?! #pianolessonsottawa #musiclessonsottawa #pianoteacherottawa #onlinepianolessonsottawa

I haven’t seen the whole concert yet, but Martha Argerich’s performance of Chopin’s 3rd sonata was incredible. The character in each movement was fantastic. Apparently she has just been practicing for 5 minutes a day during lockdown...not bad for a 79 year old