Role

:

Conductor  

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Ketil Haugsand is a renowned Norwegian harpsichordist and conductor, known for his exceptional musicianship and contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 22, 1952, in Bergen, Norway, Haugsand grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a pianist, which inspired him to pursue a career in music. Haugsand began his musical education at the Bergen Conservatory of Music, where he studied piano and organ. However, he soon discovered his passion for the harpsichord and decided to focus on this instrument. He continued his studies at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland, where he received his diploma in harpsichord performance in 1977. After completing his studies, Haugsand began his career as a soloist and chamber musician, performing extensively throughout Europe and the United States. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the leading harpsichordists of his generation, known for his virtuosic playing and sensitive interpretations of Baroque music. Haugsand has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the English Chamber Orchestra, the Academy of Ancient Music, and the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra. He has also collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors and soloists in the classical music world, including Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Ton Koopman, and Andreas Scholl. One of the highlights of Haugsand's career was his performance of Bach's Goldberg Variations at the Bergen International Festival in 1995. This performance was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, and cemented Haugsand's reputation as a leading interpreter of Bach's music. In addition to his work as a performer, Haugsand is also a respected conductor and music educator. He has served as the artistic director of the Norwegian Baroque Orchestra since 1996, and has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles. He is also a professor of harpsichord at the Norwegian Academy of Music, where he has trained many of the next generation of harpsichordists. Haugsand has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Spellemannprisen (Norwegian Grammy) in 1991 for his recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations. He has also been awarded the Order of Merit by the King of Norway for his contributions to the arts. Despite his many achievements, Haugsand remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and record regularly, and is committed to sharing his love of Baroque music with audiences around the world. In conclusion, Ketil Haugsand is a true master of the harpsichord and a leading figure in the world of classical music. His exceptional musicianship, dedication to his craft, and contributions to the arts have earned him a well-deserved place in the pantheon of great musicians.

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