Melina Schuster
Biography
Melina Santiago Abrego (also known as Melina Schuster) is a Mexican-born pianist whose artistry blends cultural depth and virtuosic emotion. She began studying music at age six, the same year she won the Yamaha Music Competition for Young Composers.
Education & Musical Training
Melina pursued rigorous musical training at the Faculty of Music, Universidad Veracruzana (Xalapa, Mexico), and later at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels under celebrated pianists Olga Roumshevich and Evgeny Mogilevsky, First Prizelaureate of the Queen Elisabeth Competition.
Performing Career & Achievements
Her sensitivity and interpretative insight have earned her acclaim across Mexico, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria, as well as recognition for her charitable contributions to underprivileged children in Xalapa.
After a 15-year hiatus from performance, Melina returned with renewed passion and artistic maturity, earning significant prizes including:
Special Jury Prize, 4 Seasons Vienna International Musician Competition (Vienna, 2024)
Master Gold Prize and Master Gold Prize for 20th & 21st Century Music, Colors of Chopin International PianoCompetition (Warsaw, 2024)
First Prizes: at the 9th International Piano Competition (Poland, 2024), AEGIO International Piano Competition Global Final (Milan, 2024), World's Best Musicians Competition (Warsaw, 2024), Bach International Music Competition (Gdańsk, 2025), and Moscow Music Competition (2025)
Bronze Hands Prize, CARLES & SOFIA International Piano Competition (Spain, 2024)
Artistic Identity
Known for her joyful, passionate, and authentic stage presence, Melina captivates audiences with deeply nuanced interpretation —often including Mexican repertoire, which she performs with special reverence.
Personal Vision & Artistic Renewal
Currently residing in Switzerland, she describes her life there as a profound rebirth—a reconnection with music in harmony with nature and personal growth.
"When I stopped playing the piano, I never expected it would last so long—but discovering other facets of myself enriched my artistry with experience, self-awareness, and an unshakeabledrive to pursue what I love."
Comments about my performances
"Beautiful performance of the Marquez's Danzon. I am very glad that you came back to playing piano after so many years doing other things. It's clear that you possess a great talent and are very passionate about music. I thouroughyl enjoyed hearing you play this piece and how you structured it. You're building the tension in a clear way listening to different voices and textures in the meantime. There is a big contrast between beautiful lyrical sections with nice legato and singing and the dramatic outpourings full of passion and perhaps anger." 2024
"A good, very thoughtful performance, with emotional impact, sincere and romantic."
"Absolutely beathtaking performance! I love your passion!!"