Role

:

Conductor

 

Dmitrij Kitajenko is a renowned classical music conductor and pianist, born on August 18, 1940, in Leningrad, Soviet Union (now St. Petersburg, Russia). He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a violinist and his mother a pianist. Kitajenko started playing the piano at the age of five and later studied at the Leningrad Conservatory, where he graduated with honors in 1967. After completing his studies, Kitajenko began his career as a pianist, performing in various concerts and competitions. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay in conducting, and he began to focus on this aspect of music. In 1969, he won the Herbert von Karajan Conducting Competition in Berlin, which marked the beginning of his career as a conductor. Kitajenko's early years as a conductor were spent in Russia, where he worked with several orchestras, including the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra and the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra. He also served as the principal conductor of the Moscow State Philharmonic Orchestra from 1976 to 1990. During this time, he gained a reputation as one of the most talented and innovative conductors in Russia. In the 1980s, Kitajenko began to gain international recognition for his work. He conducted several major orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Vienna Philharmonic. He also made his debut at the Salzburg Festival in 1985, conducting the Vienna Philharmonic in a performance of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5. One of Kitajenko's most notable achievements was his work with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in Norway. He served as the orchestra's principal conductor from 1990 to 1998, during which time he transformed it into one of the leading orchestras in Europe. He also conducted several recordings with the orchestra, including a highly acclaimed recording of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 7. Kitajenko has also been recognized for his work as a pianist. He has performed as a soloist with several orchestras, including the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also recorded several albums as a pianist, including a recording of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra. Throughout his career, Kitajenko has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1995, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his work in promoting German-Russian cultural relations. He has also been awarded the Order of Friendship by the Russian Federation and the Order of St. Olav by the King of Norway. Kitajenko continues to perform and conduct today, and he remains one of the most respected and influential figures in classical music. His innovative approach to conducting and his dedication to promoting classical music have made him a beloved figure among musicians and audiences alike.

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