Piano Man

MUELLER AS A COMMUNITY is known for its diverse, fascinating residents with a wealth of interesting backgrounds. Whether artists, writers or musicians, talent abounds—but did you know we have a world-renowned concert pianist in our midst?

Anton Nel is an accomplished South African pianist and educator who makes his home right here in Mueller. His journey from a young boy in Johannesburg to an esteemed concert pianist and educator is a testament to his passion and dedication to music.

Born into a musical family, with a mother who played and sang beautifully, Nel was surrounded by piano melodies from an early age. In fact, he believes he remembers hearing music before he could even speak.

By the time he turned 10, he began formal piano lessons after demonstrating an affinity for the piano by replicating pieces his mother played. Just two years later, at 12, he began playing in concerts, and by 14 was already winning national and international competitions. Throughout his teenage years, Nel’s talent flourished.

AT HOME IN AUSTIN 

In 1983, When he turned 20, Nel knew he was ready to leave South Africa and finish his studies abroad. He pursued his graduate work at the University of Cincinnati and, at the ripe old age of 23, began his career teaching at the University of Texas here in Austin.

He later held positions at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, in New York, and also served as chairman of the piano department at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

But his grand plan was always to return to the city that won his heart: Austin. In 2000, he fulfilled this dream and returned to the area, where he was appointed professor of piano and chamber music at the University of Texas. He currently also holds the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Endowed Chair in Piano and leads the Division of Keyboard Studies.

Although teaching has been a rewarding part of Nel’s career, the music has always been his passion. “As a performer, I feel my biggest assignment is to transmit great music to audiences, and I’m always happy when I hear that attendees have somehow been touched or moved by my playing,” he says.

Over the years, he has played in storied concert halls around the world, but his favorites are more intimate venues such as London’s Wigmore Hall, Aspen’s Harris Concert Hall and Endler Hall in Stellenbosh, South Africa. The Jassen Auditorium—or Homer Rainey Hall, as it’s sometimes called—right here in Austin is another personal favorite.

Nel has always felt at home in Austin. “I lived south of Austin for about 15 years,” he says, “but with the increase in traffic, my commute to UT became very tiresome and I realized it was time to move.”

AN IDEAL NEIGHBORHOOD 

Nel still remembers a dreary Sunday afternoon 10 years ago when he was walking around Mueller and saw the semifinished condo where he now lives.

“As soon as I saw the large downstairs room, I knew I had found the music room I’ve always been looking for,” he says. “I put a deposit down on the spot, and buying into this community is one of the smartest things I have ever done.”

The friends he has made here, the walkability to local favorite spots, the hiking and biking trails as well as the close proximity to the campus and airport have made Mueller his ideal place to live. He has even taken up pickleball, which has become a current obsession.

Nel’s love for his craft is palpable. Just ask him what his favorite composer/piece of music is, and he all but gushes. “Pianists are lucky to have an enormous amount of great music to play,” he says. “I’m at my happiest playing music from the German/Viennese Classical or Romantic periods: Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, etc. I keep coming back to Beethoven, and then his fourth piano concerto, which to me is one of the most beautiful and perfect things ever created by a human!”

Reflecting on his journey, Nel feels fortunate for the opportunities he has had, and he remains committed to inspiring audiences and mentoring the next generation of musicians.

He refers to himself as “decidedly middle-aged” and embraces all that comes with it. Travel; discovering new, great places to dine; hiking; spending time with friends; and, yes, pickleball fill his free time, but his one true love is still the music. He hopes to continue his teaching and performing for many years to come.