Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

August 21, 1950 in Linz, Austria

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Norbert Kraft is a renowned classical guitarist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Born in Linz, Austria, on October 21, 1950, Kraft began his musical journey at a young age. His father was a professional violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music from an early age. Kraft started playing the guitar at the age of nine and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Kraft's talent was evident from a young age, and he began performing in public at the age of 12. He studied at the Vienna Academy of Music, where he received a solid foundation in classical guitar technique. After completing his studies, he moved to Canada in 1972 and began his professional career as a guitarist. Kraft's career took off in the 1980s when he won several prestigious awards, including the first prize at the Toronto International Guitar Competition in 1985. This award helped him gain recognition as a world-class guitarist, and he began performing in major concert halls around the world. One of the highlights of Kraft's career was his performance at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. He was invited to perform at the closing ceremony, where he played a solo guitar piece that was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. This performance helped him gain even more recognition and cemented his status as one of the world's leading classical guitarists. Kraft has also recorded extensively throughout his career, releasing over 50 albums to date. His recordings have received critical acclaim and have won several awards, including a Juno Award for Best Classical Album in 1990. He has recorded works by some of the greatest composers in the classical guitar repertoire, including Bach, Vivaldi, and Paganini. In addition to his solo career, Kraft has also collaborated with other musicians and ensembles. He has performed with orchestras around the world, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and the Vienna Chamber Orchestra. He has also collaborated with other guitarists, including Pepe Romero and Eliot Fisk. Kraft has also been active as a teacher and has taught at several institutions, including the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Music. He has also given masterclasses around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring guitarists. Throughout his career, Kraft has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 2006, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors, for his contributions to the arts. He has also been awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and the Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Canadian culture. In conclusion, Norbert Kraft is a world-renowned classical guitarist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. His talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He continues to inspire and influence aspiring guitarists around the world through his recordings, performances, and teaching.

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