Sigmund Hjelset was a Norwegian classical music artist who was born on May 12, 1925, in Oslo, Norway. He was the youngest of three children born to his parents, who were both musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Hjelset was exposed to music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Hjelset's talent for music was evident from an early age, and he began studying at the Oslo Conservatory of Music when he was just six years old. He studied under some of the most renowned music teachers in Norway, including Einar Steen-Nøkleberg and Robert Riefling. Hjelset's dedication to his craft was evident, and he quickly became one of the most promising young musicians in Norway. In 1945, Hjelset made his debut as a solo pianist at the age of 20. He performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, and his performance was met with critical acclaim. This performance marked the beginning of Hjelset's career as a solo pianist, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after performers in Norway. Over the next few years, Hjelset continued to perform in Norway and began to gain international recognition. In 1949, he won first prize in the International Piano Competition in Geneva, Switzerland. This win was a major milestone in Hjelset's career and helped to establish him as one of the most talented young pianists in the world. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Hjelset continued to perform and record extensively. He performed with some of the most renowned orchestras in the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He also recorded numerous albums, including recordings of the complete piano works of Beethoven, Chopin, and Schumann. One of the highlights of Hjelset's career came in 1968 when he performed at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France. He performed a piece by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, and his performance was watched by millions of people around the world. Hjelset continued to perform and record throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but he began to slow down in the 1990s. He retired from performing in 1995, but he continued to teach and mentor young musicians until his death in 2006. Throughout his career, Hjelset received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In addition to his win at the International Piano Competition in Geneva, he was awarded the Order of St. Olav, one of Norway's highest honors, in 1968. He was also awarded the Grieg Prize in 1995 for his contributions to Norwegian music. Hjelset's legacy as a classical music artist is still felt today. His recordings continue to be popular among classical music enthusiasts, and his influence can be seen in the work of many young pianists. He is remembered as one of the greatest pianists of his generation and as a true ambassador for classical music.

More....