Birth

:

1971

 

Thomas Kjekstad is a Norwegian classical guitarist who has made a name for himself in the international music scene. Born on May 22, 1985, in Oslo, Norway, Kjekstad grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Kjekstad started playing the guitar at the age of six, and by the time he was ten, he had already performed in public. Kjekstad's talent was evident from an early age, and he quickly became a sought-after performer in Norway. He won his first national guitar competition at the age of 12 and went on to win several more in the following years. In 2003, Kjekstad was awarded the prestigious "Young Musician of the Year" award by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation. Kjekstad's talent and hard work paid off when he was accepted into the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo. He studied under the renowned guitarist and composer Magnus Andersson and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 2008. Kjekstad continued his studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, where he earned a Master's degree in 2010. Kjekstad's career took off after he won the first prize at the 2010 Nordic Guitar Competition in Helsinki, Finland. This victory opened doors for him, and he was soon invited to perform at major festivals and concert halls around the world. Kjekstad has performed in countries such as Germany, Spain, Italy, France, the United States, and Japan. One of Kjekstad's most significant achievements was his performance at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2012. He was invited to perform as part of the "Norwegian Spring" festival, which showcased Norwegian classical music. Kjekstad's performance was well-received, and he received a standing ovation from the audience. Kjekstad has also collaborated with several renowned musicians, including the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Norwegian Radio Orchestra. He has recorded several albums, including "Guitar Recital" (2010), "Bach on Guitar" (2012), and "Nordic Sonata" (2015). Kjekstad's playing style is characterized by his technical precision, musicality, and sensitivity. He is known for his interpretations of classical guitar repertoire, including works by Bach, Sor, Giuliani, and Villa-Lobos. Kjekstad is also a champion of contemporary music and has premiered several works by Norwegian composers. In addition to his performing career, Kjekstad is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at several music schools in Norway and Denmark and has given masterclasses in countries such as the United States, Japan, and Spain. Kjekstad is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of guitarists. Kjekstad has received several awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to the "Young Musician of the Year" award, he has been awarded the "Statoil Talent Award" and the "Sparebank 1 SMN Culture Prize." Kjekstad is also a recipient of the prestigious "Fridtjof Nansen Award," which is given to Norwegian artists who have made significant contributions to the arts. In conclusion, Thomas Kjekstad is a talented and accomplished classical guitarist who has made a significant impact on the international music scene. His technical precision, musicality, and sensitivity have earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following of fans.

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