Role

:

Conductor  

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Anssi Mattila is a Finnish classical pianist who has gained international recognition for his virtuosic performances and interpretations of classical repertoire. Born in Helsinki in 1971, Mattila began playing the piano at the age of five and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and later at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in piano performance. Mattila's career as a concert pianist began in the early 1990s, when he won several prestigious competitions, including the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition in Utrecht, the Netherlands, and the International Young Concert Artists Competition in New York City. These victories launched his career and led to performances with major orchestras and conductors around the world. One of Mattila's most notable performances was his debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1995, where he played Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 under the baton of conductor Kurt Masur. The performance was widely praised for Mattila's technical prowess and emotional depth, and it cemented his reputation as one of the most promising young pianists of his generation. Mattila has since performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with renowned conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, and Valery Gergiev. In addition to his performances as a soloist, Mattila is also an avid chamber musician and has collaborated with many of the world's leading chamber ensembles, including the Emerson String Quartet and the Guarneri Quartet. He has also recorded extensively, with over a dozen albums to his name, including recordings of works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt. Mattila's performances have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Pro Finlandia Medal, which he received in 2006 for his contributions to Finnish culture. He has also been awarded the Finnish State Prize for Music and the Sibelius Medal, among others. Despite his success as a performer, Mattila remains committed to teaching and mentoring young musicians. He has taught at the Sibelius Academy and the Juilliard School, and he frequently gives masterclasses and workshops around the world. In recent years, Mattila has also become an advocate for environmental causes and has used his platform as a musician to raise awareness about climate change and other environmental issues. He has organized benefit concerts and fundraisers for environmental organizations and has spoken out about the need for action to protect the planet. Overall, Anssi Mattila is a highly respected and accomplished classical pianist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His technical skill, emotional depth, and commitment to teaching and environmental causes have made him a beloved figure in the music world and beyond.

More....