Pétur Sakari is a renowned classical music artist from Iceland, known for his exceptional skills as a pianist and conductor. Born on May 22, 1986, in Reykjavik, Iceland, Pétur showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. His parents, both music teachers, recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Pétur's early years were spent studying music in Iceland, where he received his first piano lessons from his mother. He later went on to study at the Reykjavik College of Music, where he received a degree in piano performance. During his time at the college, Pétur also studied conducting and composition, which would later become an important part of his career. After completing his studies in Iceland, Pétur moved to Germany to further his education. He enrolled at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hamburg, where he studied piano with Professor Volker Banfield. He also studied conducting with Professor Eiji Oue and composition with Professor Manfred Stahnke. Pétur's talent as a pianist was quickly recognized, and he began performing in concerts and competitions throughout Europe. In 2008, he won first prize at the International Piano Competition in San Marino, Italy, which helped to launch his career as a soloist. Over the years, Pétur has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, such as Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, and Valery Gergiev. One of Pétur's most memorable performances was his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic in 2012. He performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. The performance was widely praised by critics, who hailed Pétur as a rising star in the classical music world. In addition to his work as a pianist, Pétur is also an accomplished conductor. He has conducted many orchestras, including the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2016, he was appointed as the principal conductor of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, a position he held until 2020. Pétur's work as a composer has also received critical acclaim. He has written music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo instruments. His compositions have been performed in concerts and festivals around the world, and he has received commissions from many prestigious organizations, such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic. Throughout his career, Pétur has received many awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 2014, he was awarded the Icelandic Music Prize for his album "Reflections," which featured his own compositions for piano and orchestra. He has also been awarded the Order of the Falcon, one of Iceland's highest honors, for his contributions to the arts. Despite his many accomplishments, Pétur remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform, conduct, and compose, always striving to push the boundaries of classical music and inspire audiences around the world.

More....