Pascal Harris was born to a family of well-known New Zealand artists. He started learning the piano at age 11 and became immersed in music on acquaintance with the great composers such as Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. Harris graduated with first class Honours from a music degree at Otago University, studying piano with Terence Dennis. In 2007 he completed a post-graduate diploma in piano performance at the Royal College of Music, London, studying piano with Gordon Fergus-Thompson. Since coming to Japan in 2007 he has performed concerts both nationally and internationally. Apart from the solo piano repertoire Harris has a particular love of German lieder and chamber music. He has taught many students over the years in both Japan and New Zealand, of a variety of ages, levels and nationalities. He has much experience in preparing students for ABRSM music exams, where they have often distinguished themselves with excellent marks.

Harris has released CDs of Schubert Impromptus and Mozart Sonatas. In 2021 he performed a series of 40 solo 'candlelight concerts' in the major cities of New Zealand featuring works of Beethoven and Chopin.

"Pascal Harris showed himself to be a most enterprising pianist and his sterling technique was harnessed to a most sophisticated musicianship. Always producing interpretations which were intelligent and stylish he also exhibited a significant temperament and sense of communication." - Gordon Fergus-Thompson

Awards

2002
Special Award, Kerikeri National Piano Competition, New Zealand

2006
Simon Gibson Memorial Award for outstanding Honours student, University of Otago