Håkon Stene is a Norwegian percussionist and contemporary classical music artist. He was born on May 22, 1977, in Trondheim, Norway. Stene grew up in a musical family, and his father was a jazz musician. He started playing the drums at a young age and later became interested in classical percussion. Stene studied at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, where he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in percussion performance. He also studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen and the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln in Germany. Stene has performed with many renowned orchestras and ensembles, including the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Norwegian Radio Orchestra. He has also collaborated with contemporary composers such as Rolf Wallin, Bent Sørensen, and Kaija Saariaho. One of Stene's most notable performances was his solo concert at the Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival in 2011. He performed a program of contemporary percussion music, including works by John Cage, Iannis Xenakis, and Morton Feldman. The concert received critical acclaim, and Stene was praised for his virtuosic playing and musical sensitivity. Stene has also received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2005, he was awarded the Norwegian Soloist Prize, which is one of the most prestigious awards for classical musicians in Norway. He was also awarded the Arne Nordheim Prize in 2010 for his contributions to contemporary music. In addition to his performing career, Stene is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at the Norwegian Academy of Music and the Royal Danish Academy of Music, and he currently teaches at the University of Oslo. He is also a member of the percussion ensemble Pinquins, which focuses on contemporary music and has released several albums. Stene's repertoire includes a wide range of contemporary percussion music, from solo works to chamber music and orchestral pieces. He is known for his innovative approach to percussion playing, which often involves the use of unconventional instruments and techniques. Overall, Håkon Stene is a highly respected percussionist and contemporary classical music artist. His virtuosic playing and dedication to contemporary music have earned him numerous awards and critical acclaim. He continues to inspire and educate future generations of musicians through his teaching and performances.

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