Jonathan Oldengarm is a Canadian classical pianist and composer who has gained recognition for his virtuosic performances and innovative compositions. Born in 1983 in Edmonton, Alberta, Oldengarm began playing the piano at the age of five and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He went on to study at the University of Alberta, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. After completing his undergraduate studies, Oldengarm continued his musical education at the University of British Columbia, where he earned a Master of Music degree in piano performance. During this time, he also began to explore composition, studying with renowned Canadian composer Stephen Chatman. Oldengarm's early compositions were influenced by the works of composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin, but he soon began to develop his own unique style, blending classical forms with contemporary harmonies and rhythms. Oldengarm's career as a performer and composer took off in the early 2010s, when he began to receive critical acclaim for his work. In 2011, he won the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, a prestigious Canadian competition for contemporary music performance. This award helped to raise his profile in the Canadian classical music scene and led to numerous performance opportunities across the country. One of Oldengarm's most notable performances came in 2013, when he performed the complete solo piano works of Canadian composer Claude Vivier at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. This marathon performance, which lasted over six hours, was a testament to Oldengarm's technical skill and endurance as a performer. It also helped to bring Vivier's music to a wider audience, as the composer's works are not often performed in concert halls. In addition to his work as a performer, Oldengarm has also gained recognition as a composer. His compositions have been performed by numerous ensembles and soloists, including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and the Gryphon Trio. His music has been described as "lyrical and expressive" by critics, and he has been praised for his ability to blend traditional classical forms with contemporary musical idioms. One of Oldengarm's most notable compositions is his Piano Concerto, which was premiered by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in 2017. The concerto, which was written specifically for Oldengarm, showcases his virtuosic piano playing and his ability to write for large orchestral forces. The piece was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with one reviewer describing it as "a thrilling and engaging work that showcases Oldengarm's talents as both a composer and a performer." Oldengarm's career continues to thrive, with numerous performances and commissions on the horizon. He is currently based in Vancouver, where he teaches piano and composition at the Vancouver Academy of Music. His work as a performer and composer has helped to bring contemporary classical music to a wider audience, and he is widely regarded as one of Canada's most exciting young musicians.

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