Biography
Pianist and composer John Mortensen received his education from the University of Michigan and the University of Maryland, studying the piano with Lynne Bartholomew, Anne Koscielny, and Raymond Hanson. Central California’s leading newspaper has described his performing as “hauntingly beautiful” and “full of energy and bravura”. In 2008 the Russian press wrote about him as follows:
"How does one judge the masterful performance of the pianist? In the hall were teachers from the school of arts, admirers of contemporary classics... Only a professional of the very highest level compels the sensitive soul to respond and weep, laugh and love together with his instrument."
Inexplicably and inexcusably, in 2003 he began learning Irish traditional instruments and is now the leading exponent of the Irish whistle, flute, bagpipes, accordion, and banjo on his street.
He wrote this description in the third person to try to make it sound like it was from an agent or journalist or music critic. But it ain't.