As just a kid, not much older than 10, Shirley Kirsten made trips to Carnegie Hall to watch the greats play piano,"It was a big influence hearing those artists," she says. "Hearing them live right there in Carnegie Hall."
It's not a surprise she grew up aspiring to be great on the piano, too.
So she studied at New York City High School of Perform­ing Arts (the school in "Fame"), the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and New York University .
Eventually, she landed in Fresno , where she’s taught piano and played classical concerts around town for years. Lately, Kirsten has taken to releasing her music on CD. She’s put out three CDs in a relatively short time, the latest is "A Musical Journey: Scarlatti, Schubert and Chopin."
"Inspiration" and "Musical Enchantment" came before it.
"It's very, very striking in the sense that most people will not play that much Scarlatti," Kirsten says of her new CD.

Style: "The style of music is classical, but representing two distinct periods of music history, Baroque and Romantic. It really showcases two distinct periods of music for the piano.

Sales pitch: "A Baroque and Romantic potpourri with Mediterranean infused musical delights and the sweep of the 'Minute Waltz' alongside a lyrical impromp­tu. All classical music lovers will savor this album that has the bedazzling, vivacious Domenico Scarlat­ti and the shimmering works of Schubert and Chopin,” Kirsten says.

Influences: Claudio Arrau and Murray Perahia.

It could be the soundtrack to: "It would have to be a movie with the biographies of these compos­ers," Kirsten says.

Trivia: Kirsten once was president of the National Substitute Teacher Alliance.

Check her out live: Kirsten performs 11 a.m.­to 1 p.m. during the second Saturday of the month art shows at Allard's, 5350 N. Blackstone Ave. The next one is Feb. 10.

CD REVIEWS:

"Kirsten has delved deeply into the complex music of Scarlatti and achieved a beautifully balanced and sonically colorful picture. Her playing is immaculate and the piano tone is appropriate to the music of an age when dynamics were drastically different than today. This album has been accepted by Classical Music Archives.com based in Palo Alto. The Scarlatti works are nicely balanced by Schubert and Chopin."Phyllis Villec, Editor, California Music Teacher, May, 2007

"Your Scarlatti is impressive. Your timing, touch and dynamics prove you are a true master of the piano. I love it. "Your Dreams and Reflections: A Poetic Journey is an album that I can’t stop playing over and over. All of the performances are great but your Beethoven “Moonlight” Sonata is second to none. It brought tears to my eyes. A sensational recording also… Bravo!" (THIS WAS DONE ON THE NORDISKA GRAND that was donated for my one day recording session)

Daniel Bates, Musician / Piano Tuner – Fresno, CA

"You play so well, and your style is so honest and direct, with some elements that remind me of Arrau, and fine programming choices, so it is a treat to listen to."

Steven Leeds, music lover, Napa, CA

I love the way you play the Scarlatti. No fear of
over-romanticizing here that leads to purist sterility. Your musicality
shines through. It's clear that you LIKE this music. The playing is
thoughtful, bright (in the color sense), precise, and even bold.
And you know I've always liked your Chopin, too. The waltzes have
never been my favorites - I like the ballades, nocturnes, preludes, and
etudes the best - but your feeling for them gives them sense and line.
So thanks for the wonderful gift. May you sell a million copies,

Greg Herzog, Professor of Chemistry--Rutgers University, New Jersey

"I really love your interpretation of the Scarlatti pieces. You played some of my favorites! I really enjoyed listening to your fine CD, an excellent quality recording, and of course, a wonderful performance!"

Trish Jones, pianist, MTAC, Fresno

"Very nice renditions - possibly the most non-robotic Fur Elise I've
heard online.Your playing reminds me of one of my favorites there. (at CMA)
Ivan Bogdanov - Very musical "

Andrys Basten, El Cerrito, CA
Performing pianist, music critic, and owner/ host of Great Pianists Forum, Yahoo groups-

"I commend you for accomplishing this labor of love, and I can appreciate the time and effort that you invested in this project."

Don Reinhold, Executive Director, the Fresno Philharmonic, Fresno, CA

"I think your recording activity is fabulous. Obviously you have found a
creative outlet that is letting you grow to your best potential...I do think about you and
applaud your spirit and your work." Ena Bronstein, Concert pianist, Head of Piano Department,Westminister Choir

College, Princeton, New Jersey

"You are a most talented and musical pianist and your Scarlatti is wonderful. Good luck with the rest of the Scarlatti recordings." Margret Elson, author Passionate Practicing: The Musician's Guide to Learning Memorizing and Performing. Oakland, CA

www.margretelson.com

"Thank you for your lovely, refined, and tasteful playing."

Andreas Werz, Associate Professor, Fresno State University, Piano Department

"Dear Shirley,
Thank you for sending the CDs. I had a chance to listen to the Scarlatti disc and I think your Scarlatti is wonderful...Good luck to you in your building up public exposure."

Elizabeth Swarthout, concert pianist and fortepianist, Richmond,California"

I could not stop listening to Shirley Kirsten’s CD, A Musical Journey: Scarlatti, Schubert, & Chopin. It is a gift to all of us who love the clear brightness and deep resonance of the piano. Her eloquent renderings of Scarlatti, Schubert and Chopin reflect the intense mood shadings in these piano pieces and her technique outlines the brilliant shapes of the phrases.

Laura Koulish

musician and teacher, NYC

For sampling purposes:

Audio samples are available at www.fasttraxx.com/shirleykirsten. Also, her CD has been added to KVPR, FM 89.3.

Key tracks: Scarlatti's Sonata in A Major, K. 113 and Chopin's Waltz in D Flat
Major, Opus 64.

Buy it at: All three of her CDs are available at Miller Sheet Music or from her Web site.

Cost: $15

Find out more: Online at www.fasttraxx.com/shirleykirsten

To book an event or order CDs you may contact her via e-mail : shirley_kirsten@yahoo.com.