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Welcoming 2026 with Music, Meaning, and Belonging

Welcoming 2026 with Music, Meaning, and Belonging

Dear friends,


We are less than a month into 2026, and it has already been one of irrational insecurity. Within the context of this turmoil, it has been difficult to stay focused on what I find important: decency, respect for others, and Love.

So this year, I have been focusing on my music and my creative life.

I am happy to share the first Berlin Conversations episode of 2026 with the renowned piano technician Robin Kallmeier. I hope you find the discussion about pianos, listening, and music as enlightening as I did.



Recently, I participated in a panel discussion with my colleagues Adrian Jones and Christian Reichart and a international group of young conductors from the UdK (Berlin University of the Arts) in what was a stimulating and fun conversation.

 

Additionally, I'm excited to have begun work on a new solo piano collection, and today I am pleased to share with you one of my new compositions – Belonging – written as a gift for a dear friend’s 60th birthday. Please enjoy the video below.

 

In these challenging times, I look within for inspiration and urge others to find the courage to share what we cherish most.

Many greetings for the New Year,


Craig

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Heart Earth Music

Heart Earth Music

Craig Urquhart
2025 / Heart Earth Music
 
Emergence is pianist/composer Craig Urquhart’s fourteenth album of original piano solos and his fifteenth album of original compositions. Craig released his first recording, Songs Without Words, in 1990, and I have very happily reviewed them all! Emergence is a musical exploration of transformation, introspection and unfolding. Quoting Craig: “Emergence represents a personal and artistic journey. Each piece is a musical vignette, capturing emotions and stories that resonate with the heart and soul. This album is an invitation to pause, reflect, and embrace the cycle of emergence.” Known for his amazingly expressive touch on the piano keys as well as his heartfelt compositions, new music from Craig is always a very special treat to be savored again and again, discovering something new each time. His style is mostly quite minimal as well as deeply expressive. You won’t find lightning runs up and down the piano keyboard or showy displays of virtuosity, but instead Craig opens his soul while sharing his heart with those ready to listen.
Emergence begins with the title track as we embark on a journey of transformation, ready to discover what’s next. At just under eight minutes, this beautiful piece feels very relaxed and at peace. “Gratitude” reflects on the beauty of life’s moments while expressing appreciation for the people, places and experiences that shape us and make us who we are. Feelings of warmth and affection flow from each note, touching the heart in a very profound way. “Winter Nocturne” is an ode to the silence and solitude that enable intimate thoughts and reflection. The simple, heartfelt melody reflects the chill of winter as well as the deeply emotional experiences that inspired the music. “Nomadic Journey” follows in the footsteps of travelers who silently led their flocks through The Sahara. Quiet and pensive, it’s a journey of peaceful wonderment. “Remembering” tenderly describes those moments when special memories recur in our minds, allowing us to relive them — if only briefly. Craig describes “Lost In the Stars” as “a celestial dreamscape where wonder and longing merge as we gaze into the infinite mysteries of the universe.” The longest track on the album, we have plenty of time to be transported to this magical place while getting lost in the tenderness and serenity of the music — love it! “Endearment” is a tender expression of love and affection that overflows with a gentle, soothing warmth. “Morning Rain” is my favorite track on the album and beautifully describes something I’ve learned to love here on the Oregon Coast. Tenderness blended with a touch of melancholy flow throughout the piece, describing the feeling of a gentle rain at daybreak. In “Arise,” it’s almost like the sun has shone through the rainclouds, inviting the world to enjoy life’s endless possibilities and all of the happiness it has to offer. 
 
Emergence is another outstanding musical experience from Craig Urquhart!
 
It is available from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes, and streaming platforms including Spotify, Pandora and YouTube. Very highly recommended!
 
Kathy Parsons
 
5/17/2025
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