Iris Hond - Dear World (2016)

The world is full of many fine pianists but only a few have a truly unique story and even fewer a gift to compose. Iris Hond is a pianist who writes new original compositions, grounded with the depth of the classical tradition. In 2013 Iris sent her original music to legendary composer/producer Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Pink Floyd, Leonard Cohen). Sensing a superior and special talent and the musical instrument to communicate, Leonard signed on to collaborate. Recorded in Los Angeles and the famous Wisseloord studios in The Netherlands, Iris Hond’s album ‘Dear World’ will be released in 2016.

Born in 1987, Iris Hond began playing the piano at three years old. From the first notes she played, it was clear she had an extraordinary pianistic talent. Growing up the daughter of Dutch free-spirited hippie parents, she was determined to make her own choices. So she left home and was accepted in 2001 at the Royal Conservatory in Den Haag, The Netherlands. On her own at 14 years old, living in a tiny apartment and struggling to support herself, Iris began playing piano in restaurants with street musicians, and traveling the city with her flying piano on wheels. Along the way she formed special relationships with the less privileged, terminally ill and even those in prisons, as she gave concerts in hospitals and makeshift venues throughout the city.

Hardened by life and seasoned with years of hard work and discipline, Iris has built an extensive concert career in her home country and abroad. Studying primarily with renowned pianist and professor Naum Grubert, Iris also studied with such legends as John Perry, Leon Fleisher, Dimitri Bashkirov, Herbert Stessin and Natalja Troull. She graduated summa cum laude from the Royal Conservatory. Shortly after finishing her studies, Iris signed a record deal with Decca and recorded two classical albums. On the heels of this success, she opened two shows for the legendary Diana Ross, playing Liszt in front of 30,000 people.

Her interesting life has only served to inspired her. With a stunning new album reflecting her deepest most personal feelings and classical concert performances complementing her own music, Iris Hond’s is a career on the verge of a major breakthrough, with music destined to lift every heart it touches.

Tracklist:

01. Aria
02. The Heart Escapes
03. Circle Home
04. The Fall
05. Quiet
06. Dream of Everything
07. A Last Conversation
08. A Letter to You
09. Dear World