Different performers have different priorities when they’re in front of an audience. Some work to create a specific mood, while others just want to get the notes right.

Concert pianist Brian Ganz is mostly concerned about the listener’s experience.

“It’s important to me that my listeners be moved to express themselves,” Ganz said. “I try to let go of what people think of me. It’s not about me.”

Inspired by the passionate music of Frederic Chopin, Ganz began taking piano lessons at age nine.

“I fell madly in love with [Chopin’s] music,” Ganz said. “It was that music that made me want to be a concert pianist.”

Since his first lesson, Ganz said he has been “fortunate to have good teachers.” The coaching of these teachers gave him the skills needed to perform throughout his teen years.

As soon as he was old enough to quit high school, his parents, both school teachers, encouraged him to drop out and pursue his piano studies.

Unfortunately, his constant playing caused him to be burned out by the time he was old enough to go to college, so he decided not to go to music school.

Then, in his early 20s, Ganz experienced a “spiritual reawakening.”

“I learned a lot musically, but I also learned a whole lot spiritually,” Ganz said. “I did a lot of soul searching. I was wondering where the universe was nudging me.”

Heading into his late 20s, Ganz felt “nudged” into a performing career.

He began working to perfect his performing skills and traveled to Europe to participate in competitions.

In 1989, he was the co-winner of First Grand Prize in the Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud International Piano Competition in Paris. Ganz said winning the contest resulted in a lot of recognition and traveling.

Shortly after his victory in Paris, he received third prize in the Queen Elisabeth of Belgium International Piano Competition.

“That award resulted in even more exposure,” Ganz said. “I was watched extremely closely by the entire country, and lots of people heard me play.”

In 1992, Ganz made his recording debut in Belgium, and his recordings of works by Dutilleux and Chopin have been released on the Accord label in Paris.

Since then, Ganz said he has not made any recordings because he said “it doesn’t sound like me.”

“There is a certain synergy between you and the listeners when you’re playing for an audience,” Ganz said. “When you’re playing for microphones, the same synergy is not there.”

Now married and a father, Ganz said he doesn’t travel internationally as much as before. Instead, he spends a lot of his time as a private piano teacher at St. Mary’s College in Maryland.

“Now that I’m a Dad, I’m thinking about traveling less,” Ganz said. “I want to be there for [my little boy].”

Ganz will be performing as part of the Ames Town and Gown Chamber Music Series on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Hall Recital Hall.

Tickets will be available at the door for $15 and in advance at Rieman’s Music, Big Table Books and at the Iowa State Music Department.

Students will be admitted free of charge.