Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

Austria

Birth

:

February 15, 1949 in Linz, Austria

Genre

:

Symphony

 

Hans Graf is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of music through his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. Born on October 9, 1949, in Austria, Graf grew up in a family of musicians, which played a significant role in shaping his musical career. Graf's love for music began at an early age, and he started playing the piano when he was just six years old. He later went on to study at the Vienna Music Academy, where he honed his skills in conducting and piano performance. After completing his studies, Graf began his career as a pianist, performing in various concerts and recitals across Europe. However, it was his passion for conducting that eventually led him to become one of the most sought-after conductors in the world. Graf's conducting career began in 1979 when he was appointed as the assistant conductor of the Vienna State Opera. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the principal conductor of the opera in 1981, a position he held until 1991. During his tenure at the Vienna State Opera, Graf conducted numerous performances of some of the most famous operas in the world, including Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," Verdi's "La Traviata," and Puccini's "La Bohème." His exceptional talent and dedication to his craft earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art. In 1994, Graf was appointed as the music director of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in Canada, a position he held until 2003. During his tenure, he transformed the orchestra into one of the most respected and renowned orchestras in Canada, earning critical acclaim for his innovative programming and exceptional performances. Graf's success in Calgary led to numerous guest conducting engagements with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He also served as the music director of the Houston Symphony Orchestra from 2001 to 2013, where he continued to earn critical acclaim for his exceptional performances and innovative programming. Throughout his career, Graf has conducted numerous world premieres and has collaborated with some of the most renowned soloists in the world, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Lang Lang. He has also recorded extensively, with over 100 recordings to his name, including works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Mozart. Graf's exceptional talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2002, he was awarded the Austrian Decoration of Honour for Science and Art, and in 2013, he was awarded the Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria. He has also been awarded the Houston Symphony's Ima Hogg Award for Artistic Excellence and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra's Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to his work as a conductor, Graf is also a dedicated educator and has served as a professor of conducting at the University of Houston's Moores School of Music. He has also conducted numerous masterclasses and workshops around the world, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of musicians. In conclusion, Hans Graf is a true icon in the world of classical music, whose exceptional talent and dedication to his craft have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout his career.

More....