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Composer Performer

 

Harri Viitanen is a renowned Finnish classical pianist, composer, and conductor. He was born on August 22, 1967, in Helsinki, Finland. Viitanen grew up in a musical family, and his father was a well-known Finnish composer. He started playing the piano at the age of five and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Viitanen received his formal music education at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he studied under the guidance of renowned pianists such as Liisa Pohjola and Erik T. Tawaststjerna. He also studied composition with Eero Hämeenniemi and Jukka Tiensuu. Viitanen graduated from the Sibelius Academy with a Master's degree in piano performance in 1992. Viitanen's career as a pianist took off in the early 1990s when he won several prestigious international piano competitions, including the Nordic Piano Competition in 1990 and the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition in 1993. These victories brought him international recognition and led to numerous concert engagements around the world. Viitanen has performed as a soloist with many leading orchestras, including the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, and Sakari Oramo. Viitanen's repertoire is vast and includes works by many composers, from Bach to contemporary composers. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Franz Liszt, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Jean Sibelius. Viitanen's performances are characterized by his technical brilliance, musical sensitivity, and deep understanding of the music he plays. In addition to his career as a pianist, Viitanen is also an accomplished composer. He has written music for various ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo instruments. His compositions have been performed by many leading musicians and ensembles, including the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra, and the Tapiola Sinfonietta. Viitanen has also worked as a conductor, leading many orchestras in Finland and abroad. He has conducted the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. Viitanen has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1993, he was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal, one of Finland's highest honors for cultural achievements. He has also been awarded the Finnish State Prize for Music and the Sibelius Medal, among others. Viitanen is a passionate advocate for music education and has worked extensively with young musicians. He has taught at the Sibelius Academy and has given masterclasses around the world. He is also a member of the jury for many international piano competitions. In conclusion, Harri Viitanen is a highly respected and accomplished musician who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His technical brilliance, musical sensitivity, and deep understanding of the music he plays have earned him international recognition and numerous awards. Viitanen's passion for music education and his work with young musicians ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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