Pianist John Wilson Brings Expressive Brilliance to SoundBox Concert

(As reviewed by Joshua Kosman, SF Chronicle / Classical Voice Now – Independent Review)

"I loved hearing explosive rhythmic piano etudes by Tania León and Marcos Balter, as well as a genteel excerpt from a sonatina by Roger Dickerson, all superbly rendered by pianist John Wilson." – Joshua Kosman

In an independent review by Joshua Kosman, formerly of the San Francisco Chronicle and Classical Voice Now, pianist John Wilson was lauded for his commanding performance at SoundBox, the San Francisco Symphony’s experimental series. Featured as part of a curated evening by composer and pianist Courtney Bryan, Wilson delivered a program that highlighted his technical brilliance and deep interpretative insight.

His performances of León’s and Balter’s etudes brought an electrifying energy to the evening, showcasing his rhythmic precision and dynamic control. Meanwhile, his rendering of Dickerson’s Sonatina provided a moment of lyrical elegance, proving his versatility as an artist.

Despite the night’s compelling selections, Kosman noted that many pieces were fleeting in length, remarking that the shorter works lacked the impact of more expansive compositions. However, Wilson’s playing stood out as a highlight, reinforcing his reputation as one of the leading voices in contemporary and American classical music.