Birth

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December 21, 1984 in Hamar, Norway

 

Mari Samuelsen is a Norwegian classical violinist who has gained international recognition for her virtuosic performances and innovative approach to classical music. Born on August 31, 1984, in Hamar, Norway, Mari grew up in a musical family and began playing the violin at the age of three. Her father, Arvid Engegård, is a conductor and violinist, and her mother, Trine Samuelsen, is a pianist and music teacher. Mari's early musical education was shaped by her parents, who encouraged her to explore a wide range of musical styles and genres. She studied at the Barratt Due Institute of Music in Oslo, where she was mentored by renowned violinist Isaac Stern. Mari also spent time studying in Germany and the United States, where she worked with some of the world's leading violinists and conductors. Mari's career as a professional musician began in earnest in the early 2000s, when she began performing as a soloist with orchestras and ensembles around the world. She quickly gained a reputation for her technical skill and expressive playing, and was soon in demand as a soloist and chamber musician. One of Mari's early breakthrough performances came in 2008, when she performed the world premiere of the violin concerto "Air" by Norwegian composer Rolf Wallin. The piece was written specifically for Mari, and showcased her ability to blend traditional classical techniques with contemporary styles and sounds. The performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, and helped to establish Mari as a rising star in the classical music world. Since then, Mari has gone on to perform with some of the world's leading orchestras and conductors, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. She has also collaborated with a wide range of contemporary composers and musicians, including Max Richter, Ólafur Arnalds, and Hildur Guðnadóttir. In addition to her work as a performer, Mari is also a passionate advocate for music education and outreach. She has worked with a number of organizations to bring classical music to new audiences, and has been involved in a number of initiatives aimed at promoting music education in schools and communities around the world. Mari's achievements as a musician have been recognized with a number of awards and honors. In 2010, she was awarded the prestigious Norwegian Soloist Prize, which is awarded annually to the country's most promising young musicians. She has also been awarded the Sibelius Prize, the Grieg Prize, and the Spellemann Prize, among others. Despite her many accomplishments, Mari remains committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new ways to connect with audiences. She continues to perform and record regularly, and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and innovative classical musicians of her generation.

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