Argentine-Born Pianist Marcelo Lian Finds Harmony Between Heritage and Performance

April 23rd, 2025

Pianist Marcelo Lian doesn’t just perform music—he brings a lifetime of experience and cultural connection to every piece he plays.

Originally from Argentina, Lian started playing piano at age five. As an only child, he often turned to the piano at family gatherings, using it as a way to pass the time. What started as simple entertainment quickly became something more.

In February, Lian performed the first movement of Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 111 at Concordia University, showcasing both his technical skill and emotional sensitivity. The performance was part of an ongoing effort to bring classical music to a wider audience, something Lian values as both an artist and educator.

Over the years, Lian has studied in New York, Kentucky, and Lincoln, Nebraska, building a career as both a performer and teacher. He now serves as an Artist-Faculty member at the Omaha Conservatory of Music, where he focuses on helping students grow as musicians.

“I’ve always been guided by the idea of legacy and gratitude,” he said. “It’s something I try to pass along in my teaching.”

Pianist Marcelo Lian poses with the piano after an impressive performance, showcasing his remarkable talent and connection with the music.

Lian’s academic work also reflects his dedication to music history and tradition. His doctoral dissertation focused on Italian pianist and teacher Vincenzo Scaramuzza. Since then, Lian has been invited to perform regularly in Scaramuzza’s hometown in Italy, deepening his connection to the composer’s legacy.

He has also performed on well-known stages, including Carnegie Weill Hall in New York and the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires during the Martha Argerich Festival. But for Lian, those milestones are just one part of a larger journey.

Last year, he returned to Argentina to reconnect with his roots and record his debut album, which blends personal experiences with artistic expression.

Lian is scheduled to perform again this Friday, April 25, at noon as part of the Omaha Conservatory of Music’s Final Friday Series.