Celebrated pianist Leif Ove Andsnes is a recipient of Norway’s distinguished honour, Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav
'A pianist of magisterial elegance, power, and insight' (New York Times), Leif Ove Andsnes is 'one of the most gifted musicians of his generation' (Wall Street Journal).
With his commanding technique and searching interpretations, the celebrated Norwegian pianist has won international acclaim, playing concertos and recitals in the world’s leading concert halls and with its foremost orchestras, while building an esteemed and extensive discography. As an avid chamber musician, he is also the founding director of the Rosendal Chamber Music Festival which takes place every August on the west coast of Norway.
Andsnes has received Norway’s distinguished honour, Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav as well as the prestigious Peer Gynt Prize, and been honoured with honorary doctorates from New York’s Juilliard School of Music and the Universities of Bergen and Oslo. He is also the recipient of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Instrumentalist Award and the Gilmore Artist Award and was inducted into the Gramophone Hall of Fame in 2013.
Leif Ove Andsnes was born in Karmøy, Norway in 1970, and studied at the Bergen Music Conservatory under the renowned Czech professor Jirí Hlinka. He has also received invaluable advice from the Belgian piano teacher Jacques de Tiège who, like Hlinka, has greatly influenced his style and philosophy of playing. He is currently an Artistic Adviser for the Prof. Jirí Hlinka Piano Academy in Bergen where he gives annual masterclasses to participating students. Andsnes lives in Bergen with his partner and their three children.
Image: Helge Hansen