Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

:

October 6, 1952 in Chevy Chase, MD

 

Michael Alexander Willens is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born in Germany and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a conductor, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Willens showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Willens received his formal music education at the Cologne University of Music, where he studied conducting, piano, and musicology. He also attended masterclasses with renowned conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle and Claudio Abbado. After completing his studies, Willens began his career as a conductor, working with various orchestras in Germany and Europe. One of the highlights of Willens' career was his appointment as the principal conductor of the Kölner Akademie in 2006. The Kölner Akademie is a renowned baroque orchestra that specializes in the performance of music from the 17th and 18th centuries. Under Willens' leadership, the orchestra has gained international recognition for its performances of works by composers such as Bach, Handel, and Telemann. Willens has also worked with other orchestras, including the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra in Toronto, Canada, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in London, UK. He has conducted numerous concerts and recordings with these orchestras, showcasing his versatility and expertise in a wide range of musical styles. In addition to his work as a conductor, Willens is also an accomplished pianist and harpsichordist. He has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in various venues across Europe and North America. His performances have been praised for their technical precision and musical sensitivity. Willens has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2010, he was awarded the Echo Klassik award for his recording of Handel's "Messiah" with the Kölner Akademie. The Echo Klassik is one of the most prestigious awards in the classical music industry, and Willens' win was a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. In addition to his work as a performer, Willens is also a respected musicologist. He has published several articles and books on the history and performance of baroque music, including a comprehensive study of the music of Georg Philipp Telemann. Overall, Michael Alexander Willens is a highly respected and accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. His exceptional talent as a conductor, pianist, and harpsichordist, combined with his deep knowledge of music history and theory, have earned him a place among the most respected musicians of his generation.

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