Pianist David Kaplan to Release New Album in November

The Los Angeles-based musician will launch his latest solo recording project on November 20, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Classical

Pianist David Kaplan to Release New Album in November

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Do you enjoy classical music performances that include modern improvisational elements?

Pianist David Kaplan will release his new solo album, quasi una fantasia, on November 20, 2026, under the label Orchid Classics. The recording explores the intersection of composition and improvisation through a diverse collection of musical works.

Why it matters

The album highlights the blurred lines between formal composition and creative spontaneity. By integrating improvised transitions, Kaplan offers a unique perspective on works spanning from historical legends to contemporary composers.

The album features 19 tracks spanning a total runtime of 71 minutes and 30 seconds. The project includes two sonatas by Ludwig van Beethoven and three new works by composers Christopher Cerrone, Anthony Cheung, and Andrea Casarrubios.

The players

David Kaplan

David Kaplan is a Los Angeles-based pianist who specializes in bridging classical repertoire with contemporary improvisation.

Orchid Classics

Orchid Classics is the record label responsible for the distribution and production of the new album.

UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is a prominent Los Angeles institution where the album was recorded.

The details

Kaplan recorded the album at the Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music between December 3 and December 5, 2025. The project was produced by Silas Brown and engineered by Sergey Parfenov, with Kaplan contributing his own improvised preludes and transitions.

December 3-5, 2025: Recording sessions took place at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
October 29, 2026: The first single from the album, Passagework, was released.
November 20, 2026: The full album quasi una fantasia is scheduled for release.

Industry Dynamics

This release reflects a broader trend of classical musicians utilizing academic recording spaces to pursue niche, experimental projects that push against standard performance boundaries. By leveraging the resources at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, artists are increasingly able to blend historical repertoire with contemporary improvisational techniques.

Listeners can access the full album via the Orchid Classics release schedule beginning November 20, 2026. Those interested in the pianist's recent work can already stream the lead single, Passagework, which was released in late October.

The takeaway

The album serves as a masterclass in how modern pianists can honor classical traditions while introducing personal, improvised elements to a recording. Listeners looking to engage with the work should pay close attention to the transitions between tracks, as these moments provide the core thematic connection.