School of Music Mourns the Passing of Retired Professor of Piano and Artist-in-Residence Krassimira Jordan
Pianist Krassimira Jordan performs at the Simon Concert Hall at Omaha Conservatory of Music in 2018.
The School of Music and Baylor University are mourning the passing of retired Professor of Piano and Artist-in-Residence Krassimira Jordan, who died January 31 in Reston, Virginia. Professor Jordan came to Baylor in 1989 and taught for 31 years before her retirement in 2020.
Born on October 11, 1949, in Varna, Bulgaria, Professor Jordan began her musical journey at the age of four and by seven made her recital debut, foreshadowing a career that would leave an indelible mark on the international stage.
Professor Jordan’s pursuit of excellence led her to study music in Sofia, Bulgaria; Vienna, Austria; and in Moscow, Russia. Her public performances yielded numerous accolades, including prestigious international prizes such as the "Alfredo Casella" and "Alessandro Casagrande" Piano Competitions, as well as the Mozart "Clara Haskil" Prize. Notably, she proudly represented Austria as the First Prize and Gold Medal winner at the Rio de Janeiro International Piano Competition in 1981.
As a captivating pianist, Professor Jordan enchanted audiences in major European cities and across the globe, including the United States, Asia, and South America. She appeared in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and collaborated with renowned orchestras such as the Wiener Symphoniker and the Tonkünstler Orchester.
Beyond her virtuoso performances, Professor Jordan was revered as a distinguished teacher, with students from around the world earning top honors at international piano competitions. Many of her students currently occupy important positions at universities and music conservatories domestically and internationally.
She was a Professor of Piano at the Vienna Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts for a decade and subsequently served as Artist-in Residence and Professor of Piano at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. A Steinway Artist, Professor Jordan's legacy endures through her transformative teaching, breathtaking performances, and unwavering dedication to the art of piano. Her impact was felt globally.
As we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life that resonates in the hearts of those touched by her artistry and devotion to teaching. May her music and teachings continue to inspire generations to come.
She is survived by her son Edward Ceska and his wife Jessee Ceska, and her grandson Elliott Ceska who live in Herndon, Virginia.