Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Choral

 

Manfred Bittner was born on May 12, 1985, in Vienna, Austria. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a renowned pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Bittner showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Bittner's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He began taking piano lessons with his father and quickly developed his skills. By the age of ten, Bittner had already won several local piano competitions and was gaining recognition as a prodigy. In 1996, Bittner was accepted into the Vienna Conservatory, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned pianist and teacher, Maria João Pires. During his time at the conservatory, Bittner honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of classical music. After graduating from the conservatory in 2004, Bittner began performing professionally. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented and passionate pianist, and his performances were praised for their technical precision and emotional depth. Bittner's breakthrough performance came in 2006, when he was invited to perform at the prestigious Salzburg Festival. His performance of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2, also known as the "Moonlight Sonata," was hailed as a masterpiece and earned him a standing ovation from the audience. Following his success at the Salzburg Festival, Bittner began touring extensively, performing in some of the world's most renowned concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Berlin Philharmonic. In 2008, Bittner released his debut album, which featured works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning Bittner several awards and nominations, including the Gramophone Award for Best Newcomer. Over the years, Bittner has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, experimenting with new techniques and styles while remaining true to the traditions of the genre. He has collaborated with some of the world's leading orchestras and conductors, including the Vienna Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, and Sir Simon Rattle. In addition to his performances and recordings, Bittner is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He has taught masterclasses at some of the world's leading music schools, including the Juilliard School in New York and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Throughout his career, Bittner has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to classical music. In 2012, he was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, and in 2016, he was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace. Today, Bittner continues to inspire audiences around the world with his passion and dedication to classical music. His performances are a testament to the power of music to transcend language and cultural barriers and bring people together in a shared experience of beauty and emotion.

More....