“Chopin’s nocturnes are widely regarded as some of the finest works for solo piano and continue to hold a prominent place in today’s concert repertoire. He composed 21 of them between 1827 and 1846, and they have become a central part of the repertoire. Many of his compositions began as improvisations – musical ideas discovered at the piano and later carefully crafted into written works. There is so much more to say about it – but for me, it was partially through studying and playing it over time that I have come to understand it better. From the beginning, the goal was never to just record these nocturnes. I wanted to learn and grow as a pianist and mostly as a musician. I wanted to understand how to shape storytelling at the instrument, to create a musical narrative through phrasing, colour, timing, and silence. And there is no better repertoire to explore that with, than with these nocturnes.” – Marie François

Marie François is a Belgian concert pianist. Her repertoire characterises her as a musician and human being: bold, brave and lovable. She wants to transport the audience with piano music she loves and between pieces she talks about her interpretations and life as an artist. Marie is enthusiastic about life and – to the point of impatience – wants to get everyone excited about classical music. Therefore, all her projects can be described as storytelling: she wants to tell the story of the music and take the audience on that journey in the most personal way. She therefore combines her performances with lively and informative commentaries, in which she shares anecdotes about the music, the composers and the genre.