After four years as Artistic Director, Prof. Jiri Hlinka, withdraw as artistic leader for the academy, but passed on the tradition he has nurtured through master classes, to his former students, Leif Ove Andsnes, Håvard Gimse, Christian Ihle Hadland and Geir Botnen. However, we are pleased that Jiri Hlinka has continued to support the academy as senior adviser.
Leif Ove Andsnes
The New York Times has called Leif Ove Andsnes “a pianist of magisterial elegance, power, and insight.” With his commanding technique and searching interpretations, the celebrated Norwegian pianist has won acclaim worldwide; the Wall Street Journal named him “one of the most gifted musicians of his generation….
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Håvard Gimse
Håvard Gimse is now firmly established as one of Norway’s leading musicians with a bold and expansive repertoire, including an impressive list of 30 performed piano concertos, he is heavily in demand as both soloist and chamber musician and his vast experience means he is also the accompanist of choice to many of Scandinavia’s finest artists…
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Christian Ihle Hadland
Christian Ihle Hadland is widely recognized as one of Norway’s most exciting young piano talents and following his recital debut at the Norwegian Opera in 2008 was hailed in the Norwegian press as an artist who ..’shows himself as a unique musician whose artistry should be heard on the world’s concert stages’…
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Geir Botnen
Botnen is one of Norways foremost pianists. He was born in 1959 and grew up in Norheimsund in Hardanger. From 1978 to 1983 he studied with Czech professor Jiri Hlinka at the Bergen Music Conservatory. His great talent early secured him invitation to play with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra…
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