Assi Karttunen is a Finnish classical pianist and composer who has gained international recognition for her virtuosic performances and innovative approach to contemporary music. Born on May 22, 1980, in Helsinki, Finland, Karttunen began playing the piano at the age of five and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and later at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hanover, Germany, where she received her diploma with distinction. Karttunen's early career was marked by a series of impressive performances and awards. In 2001, she won first prize at the International Young Artists Piano Competition in Enschede, Netherlands, and in 2002, she was awarded the prestigious Pro Musica Foundation Prize in Finland. She has also been a finalist in several other international competitions, including the Leeds International Piano Competition and the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition. Karttunen's repertoire is diverse and includes works from the classical and contemporary periods. She has a particular interest in contemporary music and has worked closely with many composers to premiere new works for the piano. In 2005, she released her debut album, "Assi Karttunen Plays Finnish Piano Music," which featured works by Finnish composers such as Einojuhani Rautavaara and Magnus Lindberg. One of Karttunen's most notable performances was her debut at the Berlin Philharmonic in 2006, where she performed the world premiere of Lindberg's Piano Concerto No. 2. The performance was met with critical acclaim, and Karttunen was praised for her technical skill and musical sensitivity. She has since performed with many other major orchestras, including the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her work as a performer, Karttunen is also an accomplished composer. She has written works for solo piano, chamber ensembles, and orchestra, and her music has been performed by many other musicians around the world. In 2015, she released her debut album as a composer, "Spectrum," which featured her own compositions as well as works by other contemporary composers. Karttunen's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2010, she was awarded the Finnish State Prize for Music, and in 2012, she was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. She has also been a guest lecturer and performer at many universities and music schools around the world, including the Juilliard School in New York and the Royal College of Music in London. Despite her many accomplishments, Karttunen remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new ways to connect with audiences. She has collaborated with artists from other disciplines, such as dance and visual art, and has also experimented with new technologies to create immersive and interactive performances. Her innovative approach to music has earned her a reputation as one of the most exciting and forward-thinking musicians of her generation.

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