Divine Art announces album of solo piano music by Nikolai Kapustin: ‘Between the Lines’, the debut release from pianist Ophelia Gordon

Ophelia is the first BRIT School alum to release a commercially recorded classical album

Divine Art is delighted to announce the forthcoming release of ‘Between the Lines’, a dazzling collection of solo piano music by Ukrainian composer Nikolai Kapustin, featuring the label debut of the exciting young pianist and musical polymath Ophelia Gordon.  The album will be released in November 2025.

Technically demanding yet life-affirming and addictive, Kapustin’s music intricately weaves classical forms with the dynamic vitality of jazz, giving the impression of improvisation but is carefully notated by the composer. Ophelia has chosen pieces that are most jazz influenced as an ‘introduction’ to Kapustin, for those listening to his music for the first time and also audiences that enjoy traditional jazz. 

The album includes well-known piano cycles – the Eight Concert Etudes, Op.40 and 8of the 24 Preludes in Jazz Style, Op.53 as well as four individual pieces. Big Band Sounds Op.46 was originally written for big band and piano before Kapustin created the solo piano version Ophelia performs here. The energetic fast tempo samba piece Paraphrase on ‘Aquarela do Brasil’ for Piano, Op.118 is followed by the showstopping Paraphrase on Dizzy Gillespie’s Manteca for 2 Pianos, Op.129, in which Ophelia plays both parts, which is rarely done and never before with a Kapustin piece. To contrast there is a slower, more reflective piece on the album showing a different side to the composer: Contemplation, Op.47.

Ophelia was drawn to the music of Kapustin as it reflects her own background and versatility. Her repertoire extends from classical to jazz and beyond, a fusion of diverse musical influences.  Alongside her classical studies she grew up surrounded with jazz performance, played bass with jazz bands, and contemporary pop and jazz at the BRIT School. She is now taking a Masters in classical piano with second study jazz piano at the Trinity Laban conservatoire.

“In a musical landscape often shaped by tradition and polish, I was drawn to something less predictable—something that allowed space for risk, friction, and truth. This isn’t just classical meets jazz: its structure meets spontaneity, tradition meets rebellion. In approaching Kapustin’s music, I found a space where formal discipline could coexist with rhythmic freedom and raw expression. His works gave me permission to challenge aesthetic boundaries and offer something more personal and more alive.

The pieces I chose resonated with me on a subconscious level—particularly those with groovier beats, strong use of jazz harmony, and traditional jazz progressions. I’ve also included a few lesser-known gems that show Kapustin’s remarkable stylistic range. The syncopation, groove, and harmonic language create the sense of an entire jazz ensemble: bass, drums, brass, and piano—all conjured from a single performer”Ophelia Gordon

The BRIT School is a renowned performing arts school which has produced successful alumni in various fields. Some of the most notable include Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, Leona Lewis, and Tom Holland.

Track List:

Eight Concert Etudes, Op.40
Big Band Sounds, Op.46
24 Preludes in Jazz Style, Op.53:
No.4 in E minor | No.5 in D Major | No.11 in B Major | No. 16 in B flat Minor | No.17 in A-flat Major | No.18 in F Minor |No.19 in E-flat Major | No.23 in F Major
Paraphrase on ‘Aquarela do Brasil,’ for Piano, Op.118
Paraphrase on Dizzy Gillespie’s Manteca for 2 Pianos, Op.129
Contemplation, Op.47

Ophelia Gordon is a British pianist known for her dynamic performances and unique artistic background. In November 2025, she will release her debut album, ‘Kapustin: Between the Lines’, under Divine Art Recordings, making her the first female British pianist to record a full album of Nikolai Kapustin’s works. Additionally, she will be the first BRIT School alum to release a classical album, marking a historic moment in both her career and the institution’s legacy.

Her career spans teaching, performing, and collaborative piano, and she is currently on the faculty at Alleyn’s School, one of London’s leading schools for music and the arts. She won 1st place at the ARS Nova International Competition in 2021 and served as the Resident Pianist for the Art Song Preservation Society at the Manhattan School of Music in New York in 2024.

A versatile musician, Ophelia began her journey at the BRIT School, where she studied classical guitar, piano, and double bass. She earned her Bachelor’s of Music at Durham University and City University London, where she specialised in classical guitar and double bass. Ophelia is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in piano performance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, where she was awarded both the Trinity College London Scholarship and the Cutlers’ Scholarship. She studies under Ji Liu, the Head of Keyboard at Trinity Laban and with renowned jazz pianist Liam Noble.

Ophelia continues to develop a distinctive artistic voice that bridges genres and challenges conventional boundaries.