Birth

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1985 in London, England

 

Clare Hammond is a British classical pianist who has gained international recognition for her virtuosic performances and innovative programming. Born in 1985 in Nottingham, England, Hammond began playing the piano at the age of four and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Hammond studied at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree with first-class honors. She then went on to complete a Master of Music degree at the same institution, where she was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for outstanding achievement. Throughout her career, Hammond has been recognized for her exceptional talent and has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2005, she was awarded the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholarship, which enabled her to study at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich, Germany. She has also been a recipient of the Tillett Trust Young Artist Platform, the Making Music Award for Young Concert Artists, and the Worshipful Company of Musicians Silver Medal. Hammond has performed extensively throughout the UK and internationally, appearing at major venues such as the Wigmore Hall, the Royal Festival Hall, and the Bridgewater Hall. She has also performed at numerous festivals, including the Cheltenham Music Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Aldeburgh Festival. One of the highlights of Hammond's career was her performance of Messiaen's Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jésus at the Cheltenham Music Festival in 2013. The performance was widely praised for its technical brilliance and emotional depth, and cemented Hammond's reputation as one of the most exciting young pianists of her generation. In addition to her performances as a soloist, Hammond is also an active chamber musician and has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and ensembles. She has performed with the Carducci Quartet, the Elias Quartet, and the Navarra Quartet, among others. Hammond is also known for her innovative programming, which often includes lesser-known works alongside more familiar repertoire. She has a particular interest in contemporary music and has premiered works by a number of composers, including Kenneth Hesketh, Robert Saxton, and Michael Zev Gordon. In 2016, Hammond released her debut album, Piano Polyptych, which featured works by a diverse range of composers, including Bach, Messiaen, and Thomas Adès. The album was widely praised for its technical brilliance and imaginative programming, and was nominated for a BBC Music Magazine Award. Hammond's second album, Etude, was released in 2018 and featured works by a range of composers, including Chopin, Ligeti, and Unsuk Chin. The album was again widely praised for its technical brilliance and innovative programming, and cemented Hammond's reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative pianists of her generation. In addition to her performing career, Hammond is also a dedicated teacher and has taught at a number of institutions, including the Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Nottingham. She is also a passionate advocate for music education and has worked with a number of organizations to promote music education and outreach. Overall, Clare Hammond is a highly talented and innovative pianist who has gained international recognition for her virtuosic performances and imaginative programming.

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