Role

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Composer  

Birth

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February 14, 1984 in Reykjavík, Iceland

 

Víkingur Ólafsson is a renowned Icelandic pianist and composer who has gained international recognition for his exceptional talent and unique approach to classical music. Born on February 2, 1984, in Reykjavik, Iceland, Ólafsson grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. His mother was a pianist, and his father was a composer, so it was only natural that he would follow in their footsteps. Ólafsson began playing the piano at the age of six and quickly showed a natural aptitude for the instrument. He studied at the Reykjavik College of Music and later at the Juilliard School in New York, where he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in piano performance. During his time at Juilliard, Ólafsson studied under the tutelage of Jerome Lowenthal, a renowned pianist and teacher. Ólafsson's career as a professional pianist began in 2003 when he won the Icelandic Music Award for Best Classical Album for his debut recording of works by J.S. Bach. Since then, he has gone on to perform at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Royal Albert Hall in London. One of the highlights of Ólafsson's career was his performance at the 2018 Proms in London, where he played a solo recital of works by Bach, Debussy, and Philip Glass. The performance was widely praised by critics, with The Guardian describing it as "a masterclass in pianism." In addition to his solo performances, Ólafsson has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and ensembles. He has worked with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, among others. He has also collaborated with a number of contemporary composers, including Philip Glass, Nico Muhly, and Daníel Bjarnason. Ólafsson's recordings have also received critical acclaim. His 2017 album, "Philip Glass Piano Works," was named one of the best classical albums of the year by The New York Times, and his 2018 album, "J.S. Bach: Works & Reworks," was similarly praised. In addition to his work as a pianist, Ólafsson is also a composer. He has written music for a number of films and television shows, including the Icelandic film "The Deep" and the HBO series "Sharp Objects." Throughout his career, Ólafsson has received numerous awards and honors. In addition to his Icelandic Music Award, he has also been awarded the Order of the Falcon, one of Iceland's highest honors, and the Glashütte Original Music Festival Award, which recognizes outstanding musical achievement. Despite his success, Ólafsson remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and record, always striving to push the boundaries of classical music and bring new audiences to the genre. With his exceptional talent and unique approach, Víkingur Ólafsson is sure to remain a major force in the world of classical music for years to come.

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