Steinway Notes With Sorrow The Passing Of Steinway Artist Mihaela Ursuleasa

The House of Steinway & Sons notes with profound sorrow the untimely passing of the excellent Romanian pianist and Steinway Artist, Mihaela Ursuleasa. She was found dead in her apartment in Vienna on the morning of the 2nd of August 2012. The forensic doctor pronounced a natural death caused by a brain aneurysm. She was only 33 years old.

As a musician full of passion, energy and integrity, Mihaela was convincing and inspiring for her musical partners as well as for her audience. Those who did not have the chance to experience her talents in concert should listen to her latest CD, “Romanian Rhapsody”, or watch one of her last performances, Chopin’s concerto no. 2 in f-minor, which she played in Bucharest two months ago (www.ursuleasa.com).

In December 2000, she wrote in a dedication to Steinway: “In the last few years, one thing has become clear for me: A piano has to sound like the pianist plays by his nature — and this is exactly what the Steinway incorporates, sometimes it even “over-plays” the pianist. Thank you very much!”

Mihaela Ursuleasa certainly had her own natural sound and a charming and unique personality. For Mihaela, Franz Grillparzer’s wording for Schubert’s tomb is very applicable: “The art of music here entombed a rich possession, but even far fairer hopes.”

She is survived by her 7-year old daughter and her mother. To them, we extend our heartfelt condolences.