Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

:

September 10, 1953 in Copenhagen, Denmark

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Symphony

 

Michael Schønwandt is a Danish conductor who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born on September 1, 1953, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Schønwandt grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Schønwandt started playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the violin and the trumpet. Schønwandt studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, where he received his diploma in conducting in 1978. He then went on to study with Franco Ferrara in Italy and with Leonard Bernstein at the Tanglewood Music Center in Massachusetts. Schønwandt began his career as a conductor in 1980, when he was appointed as the principal conductor of the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra in Denmark. He held this position until 1984, when he became the principal conductor of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. He held this position until 2000, during which time he helped to establish the orchestra as one of the leading orchestras in Europe. Schønwandt has also worked as a guest conductor with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also conducted at many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Vienna State Opera. One of Schønwandt's most notable performances was his conducting of the world premiere of Hans Abrahamsen's opera "The Snow Queen" at the Royal Danish Opera in 2019. The opera was a critical and commercial success, and Schønwandt's conducting was praised for its sensitivity and nuance. Schønwandt has also received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1993, he was awarded the Order of the Dannebrog, one of Denmark's highest honors, for his contributions to Danish music. In 2000, he was awarded the Wilhelm Hansen Foundation's Music Prize, which is awarded to Danish musicians who have made significant contributions to the world of music. In 2011, he was awarded the Léonie Sonning Music Prize, which is considered to be one of the most prestigious music prizes in the world. In addition to his work as a conductor, Schønwandt is also a respected teacher and mentor. He has taught conducting at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. He has also mentored many young conductors, including Thomas Søndergård, who is now the principal conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. In conclusion, Michael Schønwandt is a highly respected conductor who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His work with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra helped to establish the orchestra as one of the leading orchestras in Europe, and his performances with many of the world's leading orchestras and opera houses have been praised for their sensitivity and nuance. Schønwandt's many awards and honors are a testament to his talent and dedication, and his work as a teacher and mentor has helped to inspire a new generation of conductors.

More....