Matilda Kärkkäinen is a Finnish classical pianist who has gained international recognition for her exceptional talent and musicality. Born on May 5, 1992, in Helsinki, Finland, Matilda showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. Her parents, both music lovers, recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue her passion for music. Matilda's musical education began at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where she studied under the guidance of renowned pianist Hui-Ying Liu-Tawaststjerna. She later continued her studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich, Germany, where she received further training from pianist and pedagogue Gerhard Oppitz. Throughout her career, Matilda has won numerous awards and accolades for her exceptional talent and musicality. In 2010, she won first prize in the International Young Pianists Competition in Enschede, Netherlands, and in 2011, she was awarded the second prize in the International Piano Competition in San Marino, Italy. In 2012, she won the prestigious Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholarship, which is awarded to outstanding young musicians who show exceptional promise in their field. Matilda's performances have been praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. She has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Carnegie Hall in New York. In 2014, she made her debut with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 under the baton of conductor John Storgårds. In addition to her solo performances, Matilda is also an accomplished chamber musician. She has collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians, including violinist Christian Tetzlaff and cellist Jan Vogler. In 2016, she formed a piano duo with her sister, pianist and composer Maija Kärkkäinen. The duo has performed extensively throughout Europe and Asia, and their debut album, "Reflections," was released in 2018 to critical acclaim. Matilda's repertoire is diverse and includes works by some of the greatest composers in classical music history, including Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt. She is particularly known for her interpretations of the music of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, and has recorded several of his piano works for the Ondine label. Despite her young age, Matilda has already established herself as one of the most promising pianists of her generation. Her exceptional talent, combined with her dedication and passion for music, has earned her a place among the world's leading classical musicians.

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