For the Love of Piano: A Return to the Romantic Era Salon

This solo piano concert features international pianist Robert Poortinga (the Netherlands) who has concertized extensively as a recital and concerto soloist and chamber musician in Europe and the United States, and in musical salons of great houses in Europe. He will perform in the Warkentine Culture and Arts Center Lin Family Performance Studio on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

For the Love of Piano offers a window into music of the 19th century, when the piano was becoming immensely popular with composers and pianists, and had nearly reached its modern form. The lighter tone of the Romantic era’s piano made it most at home in the salon, or parlor, in houses of the aristocracy or music lovers where guests could gather to hear the latest compositions or familiar favorites. Pianist-composer Frédéric Chopin preferred performing in the salon, where the piano’s subtleties could be appreciated, rather than the concert halls (favored by “rock-star” virtuosos like Liszt and Kalkbrenner). It would not be until around 1900 that the piano would receive fully modern innovations (such as cast-iron plate, cross-stringing and higher string tension and thicker hammers) and reach a depth and volume that could project more fully in a large concert hall.  

This concert reimagines performances of the Romantic era salon, with beloved 19th century compositions performed in an intimate venue with chairs surrounding the piano. (Call it an attempt at time travel, if you will.) The thoughtfully selected program includes favorites by Chopin, Liszt, Brahms, Schumann, Glinka, Grünfeld, Herz and Debussy—brought to life with Robert Poortinga’s masterful piano storytelling.

Please join us for a special evening, For the Love of Piano.  Pre-ticket sales are encouraged as seating is limited. Tickets are available online or at the door.

• $20 General 
• $10 for Students and FPU Community

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

About the pianist:

Prizewinner in solo and chamber music competitions, pianist Robert Poortinga (The Netherlands) is known for his sensitivity, technical mastery and diverse repertoire. As a soloist, Robert has performed in Europe and the United States, with orchestra concerto collaborations and solo programs spanning eras and styles, carefully curated to highlight the zeniths of the repertoire.

In 2025, Robert was named Artist in Residence by Appassionata Leeuwarden (the Netherlands), curating six concerts with various artists. He released a solo Schumann album (Kreisleriana Op. 16, Fantasie Op. 17 and Arabeske Op. 18), as well as four regionally themed albums (including a collection of Caribbean classical piano music) for a U.S. performance tour co-sponsored by Viking Cruises and DeSalvio Travel. Performances across Europe included solo and chamber music, broadcasts for radio and an innovative new venture, Cuisine Musique, pairing classical music to menus for Michelin-starred restaurants. In 2024, Robert performed extensively across Europe in solo and chamber music and released an album featuring Chopin’s Ballades and Nocturnes.

Robert has distinguished himself as one of the premier duo partners in the violin-piano repertoire with repertoire ranging from Mozart and Beethoven to Enescu, Fauré and Strauss. In collaboration with violinist Meri Khojayan, his performances include a documentary on Pablo de Sarasate, a complete recording of Prokofiev’s violin and piano works, and concert seasons spanning nearly all European countries for nearly a decade.

Robert has studied with esteemed musicians in the US, the Netherlands, and Italy including Enrico Pace, Lukas Hagen (Hagen Quartet) and Tamara Poddubnaya, and in masterclasses with Pavel Gililov, Jaques Ogg (historic performance practice), Vladimir Tropp, Konstantin Bogino, Jeroen Riemsdijk, Enrico Bronzi and Trio di Parma. Robert is a Petrof piano artist.