Russell Hirshfield

Associate Professor of Music
Applied Piano, Accompanying, Music Theory, Chamber Music

Russell Hirshfield has appeared in recital throughout the United States, including performances in the cities of New York, Miami, Boston and San Francisco.  In recent seasons Hirshfield has programmed the piano works of Olivier Messiaen for audiences in Brazil and the United States, including recitals at Lincoln Center’s Bruno Walter Auditorium and Florence Gould Hall of the French Institute.  “His brilliant performance…” in South Africa was “one of the highlights of the festive season” (Hermanus Times).  His collaboration with the Rainbow Trust of Hermanus resulted in recitals to benefit the Township of Zwelihle.  Hirshfield’s Connecticut performance of the Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 was noted for his “playing in sync with the conductor…taking center stage eloquently…” (Danbury News Times).

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Boston University, and the University of Colorado, Hirshfield received his earliest musical training in New Haven. A participant in the Eastern Music Festival and London Masterclasses, his teachers include Robert Spillman, James Avery, Anthony  di Bonaventura and Alvin Chow.  While still a student his adventuresome programming was deemed “challenging even to the most ambitious pianist…”  (Boulder Daily Camera).  He continues to present a wide and varied repertoire from the sonatas of Domenico Scarlatti to the modernist works of György Ligeti. 

A devoted music educator, Dr. Hirshfield is Associate Professor at Western Connecticut State University.  He has lectured and presented at the conventions of the Connecticut Music Teachers Association and College Music Society.  His commitment to music education was recognized by Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.  He has served on the faculty of Northwestern State University in Louisiana, and as visiting professor at the State University of Campinas, Brazil.

An active chamber pianist, Hirshfield has collaborated with numerous vocalists and instrumentalists, including members of the Detroit Symphony, Slovak Philharmonic, Orpheus Chamber Ensemble, Chicago Lyric Opera, New York City Opera and Cleveland Orchestra.

203-837-8356 studio
HirshfieldR@wcsu.edu