Role

:

Conductor  

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Lavard Friisholm was a Danish conductor and pianist who made a significant impact on the classical music world during his lifetime. Born on August 22, 1949, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Friisholm showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He went on to study at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, where he received a degree in piano performance. After completing his studies, Friisholm began his career as a pianist, performing in concerts throughout Denmark and Europe. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented and versatile musician, with a particular talent for interpreting the works of composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert. In the early 1980s, Friisholm began to focus more on conducting, and he soon became one of the most sought-after conductors in Denmark. He was appointed the principal conductor of the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra in 1984, a position he held for ten years. During his tenure, he led the orchestra in numerous performances and recordings, including a critically acclaimed recording of Carl Nielsen's Symphony No. 4. In 1994, Friisholm was appointed the principal conductor of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, one of the most prestigious orchestras in Denmark. He held this position until 2000, during which time he led the orchestra in many high-profile performances, including a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1997. Throughout his career, Friisholm was known for his passionate and dynamic conducting style, as well as his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. He was also a champion of contemporary music, and he frequently programmed works by living composers alongside more traditional repertoire. In addition to his work as a conductor, Friisholm was also a respected teacher and mentor. He taught at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and the Aarhus Conservatory, and he was known for his ability to inspire and motivate his students. Friisholm received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Carl Nielsen Prize in 1996 and the Order of the Dannebrog in 2000. He was also made an honorary member of the Royal Academy of Music in London in 1998. Sadly, Friisholm's career was cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2000. He continued to conduct and perform despite his illness, but he passed away on January 21, 2001, at the age of 51. Despite his relatively short career, Lavard Friisholm left a lasting impact on the classical music world. He was widely regarded as one of the most talented and inspiring conductors of his generation, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

More....