New-age piano virtuoso Tony Ann will bring emotion to life in Mumbai with selections from his trilogy of sound and shade
Tony Ann is excited about his maiden visit to India. Pic Courtesy/Valentin Folliet
When Tony Ann was 11, he attended a high school concert where they played Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. He didn’t know who composed it at the time, but the melody stayed with him. Later, when he heard it again at his uncle’s house, he realised it was Mozart — that moment really stuck.
Hailed as “the new piano star” and backed by staggering numbers — over 1 billion views on YouTube and 300 million streams — Canadian-born composer-pianist Ann is a defining artist of the digital age. This global phenomenon has sparked a new wave of classical music fandom through his viral #playthatword series and celebrated EP trilogy. His 2024 triumphs include sold-out world tours and standing ovations at legendary halls like Paris’s Olympia and London’s Barbican.
On November 16, he will be performing for the first time in India at the Grand Theatre at NMACC, Mumbai. “I’m really excited to experience the culture firsthand. I’m from Toronto, and I grew up with many Indian friends as there’s a huge Indian community there, but this will be my first time actually visiting India. I can’t wait to try authentic Indian food — it’s easily one of my top five cuisines,” says Ann.
On stage, Ann loves connecting with the audience — not just musically, but also by talking to them, letting them see who he is off-stage. “Reading comments online is one thing, but getting to meet people in person, say hello, and feel their energy — that’s going to be very special and emotional for me.”
His Emotion Trilogy is a three-part instrumental EP (Extended Play) series that translates emotions into sound and colour. Each chapter — Blue, Orange, and Red — captures a distinct emotional landscape, from introspection to energy to passion. Released between 2022 and 2023, the trilogy reflects Ann’s signature style — a seamless blend of classical piano mastery and cinematic storytelling. More than a musical project, it’s a sensory study of how sound and colour mirror the emotional spectrum. Each EP becomes a lens into human feeling, and together, they form a complete journey — from the calm blues of reflection to the fiery reds of expression. At his upcoming show, Ann will perform selections from all three — Emotionally Blue, Emotionally Orange, and Emotionally Red — inviting audiences to experience the emotions that shaped each piece.
Speaking of collaborations, Ann feels Indian music is incredibly diverse, with unique instruments and rhythms that could really surprise audiences if combined with his sound. “Collaboration is one of my favourite things to do — composing can be lonely, but working with others allows you to create something that neither of you could have made alone.” While he doesn’t remember the titles, Ann is fond of Bollywood numbers. “The singing and rhythms are very complex. It’s a whole world I’d love to explore more.”
For young pianists and aspiring musicians in India, Ann advises them to play music that feels personal to them. “Music is about emotion — if it doesn’t mean anything to you, it won’t mean anything to your audience. And equally important, develop your technical skills. If a piece is too hard, you’ll be focused on the notes instead of the feeling. So — play what’s personal, and build the fluency to express it freely.
What keeps Ann going is the feeling that the story is still unfinished. “What I’ve shared so far is just the first couple of chapters. The next ones are about developing my sound, collaborating more, and exploring new genres. It’s all about filling in the book, one chapter at a time.”
WHAT: Tony Ann, Live in Concert
WHEN: November 16, 7.30 pm
WHERE: The Grand Theatre, NMACC, BKC
To Book: nmacc.com
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