Check Out Alejandra Cifuentes’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandra Cifuentes.

Alejandra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born in Montreal to Chilean parents, Alejandra discovered the piano at the age of six and very early on made it a true language of expression.

Since then, she has crafted a musical world where depth, sensitivity, and authenticity come together.

Trained at Collège Vincent-d’Indy, she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in performance from the University of Montreal under the guidance of the great pianist Dang Thai Son, before perfecting her art at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory. This path of excellence has shaped a style of playing that is both rigorous and deeply soulful.

From 2011 to 2023, she served as the official pianist for the Chandelight Concerts (Concerts sous les Chandelles: existing in the Province of Quebec since 2001), where her refined interpretation and rich tonal palette left a lasting impression on audiences.

Invited to perform in Canada, Russia, Chile, and Algeria, she shares her passion on a variety of stages, always with the desire to create a genuine moment of connection.

She gives concerts and also leads workshops on interpretation and stress management, convinced that artistic mastery depends as much on inner balance as on technique.

A renowned educator, she has been teaching piano in Montreal for over 25 years and is an adjunct professor at the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy and a member of the Quebec Music Teachers of Québec Association (QMTA).

As an examiner and judge in various competitions, she guides each student with high standards, kindness, and a deep conviction: music is a path of transformation and sharing.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Without any role models in my family or among my friends, it was hard to get excited about music as a career path. The idea of dedicating my whole life to music seemed like a pipe dream. Nevertheless, I felt the need to pursue this passion and make it a part of my life, not just a hobby.

This led to many trials and errors, as well as a lot of wasted time. However, I was fortunate to have teachers who believed in me and encouraged me to reach my full potential. Although I never lost my motivation, I often wondered what my life would be like without music. Realising how sad that would be, I made sure it remained a prominent part of my life and career.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My goal has always been to share music and, through the communal experience of feeling it, to make each concert a sensory moment in which the audience can experience a deep connection and find meaning in their memories, dreams and lives.

The same energy can be found during lessons. When I teach, I try to help my students find their own voice so they can communicate what music means to them. Then, they can express those emotions through interpretation, making each performance an important human connection that leaves a lasting impression on the musician and the audience.

What matters most to you?
As pianists, we need a solid technique in order to play the challenges and subtle nuances that composers expect of us in their music.

Once we have mastered these elements, the most important thing is to use music to express universal emotions.

Regardless of our cultural background, upbringing, political views, economic status, race or religion, music has the power to unite us all. Classical music can express feelings that any human being has experienced, whether in the present day or 500 years ago.

Once we discover the beauty of this power, it is hard to let it go. When we realise how music can enrich our lives and the world, we yearn to share this passion with as many people as possible, bringing ourselves and others closer to true human beauty and harmony.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pacd.ca
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piano.a.c.diaz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alejandra.cifuentes.858292
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PianoACDiaz
• Other: https://alejandracifuentesdiaz.bandcamp.com

Image Credits
Cesar Cubillan (for the first 3 pictures)
Maury Carrera (for the main picture and the 4th one)