Ellen Ugelvik is a Norwegian classical pianist known for her dynamic and expressive performances. She was born on August 22, 1975, in Bergen, Norway, and grew up in a family of musicians. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a composer and conductor, so music was always a part of her life. Ugelvik began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for the instrument. She studied at the Bergen Conservatory of Music and later at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo. During her studies, she won several awards and scholarships, including the prestigious Grieg Prize. After completing her education, Ugelvik began performing professionally and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and versatile pianist. She has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Oslo Philharmonic, the Bergen Philharmonic, and the Norwegian Radio Orchestra. One of Ugelvik's most notable performances was her interpretation of Olivier Messiaen's "Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jésus" at the Bergen International Festival in 2008. The piece is considered one of the most challenging works in the piano repertoire, and Ugelvik's performance was praised for its technical precision and emotional depth. In addition to her work as a soloist, Ugelvik is also a dedicated chamber musician. She has collaborated with many of Norway's leading musicians, including violinist Henning Kraggerud and cellist Truls Mørk. She is also a member of the contemporary music ensemble asamisimasa, which specializes in performing new and experimental works. Ugelvik's recordings have received critical acclaim and have been featured on radio stations and music festivals around the world. Her album "Ravel Reflections" was named one of the best classical recordings of 2012 by the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten. In addition to her performing career, Ugelvik is also a respected music educator. She has taught at the Norwegian Academy of Music and the Grieg Academy in Bergen and has given masterclasses and workshops throughout Europe and Asia. Throughout her career, Ugelvik has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to classical music. In 2010, she was awarded the prestigious Norwegian Music Critics' Award for her album "Ravel Reflections." She has also been awarded the Statoil Scholarship, the Dextra Musica Award, and the Norwegian Society of Composers' Interpretation Prize. Ugelvik continues to perform and record regularly and is known for her commitment to exploring new and challenging works. She is considered one of Norway's most important classical musicians and is admired for her technical skill, musical sensitivity, and passion for the art form.

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