Birth

:

1978

 

Benjamin Engeli is a Swiss classical pianist who has gained international recognition for his virtuosic performances and insightful interpretations of a wide range of repertoire. Born in Zurich in 1978, Engeli began playing the piano at the age of five and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied with renowned teachers such as Homero Francesch, Maria João Pires, and Murray Perahia, and went on to win numerous awards and competitions throughout his career. Engeli's early performances were marked by a technical precision and musical sensitivity that belied his young age. He made his debut with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra at the age of 12, and went on to perform with many other orchestras and ensembles throughout Europe and the United States. In 1996, he won first prize at the International Piano Competition in Epinal, France, and in 1998 he was awarded the prestigious Prix Credit Suisse Jeunes Solistes, which provided him with the opportunity to perform with the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra. Over the years, Engeli has become known for his interpretations of the music of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Brahms, among others. He has recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed set of Schubert's late piano works, and has collaborated with many other musicians and ensembles. In 2010, he founded the Engeli Piano Trio with violinist Nurit Stark and cellist Claudius Herrmann, which has since become one of the most sought-after chamber ensembles in Europe. One of Engeli's most memorable performances was his debut at the Lucerne Festival in 2002, where he played Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Lucerne Festival Orchestra under the direction of Claudio Abbado. The performance was hailed by critics as a triumph, with one reviewer writing that Engeli "played with a combination of technical brilliance and emotional depth that was truly breathtaking." Engeli has also been recognized for his commitment to contemporary music, and has premiered works by composers such as Heinz Holliger, Michael Jarrell, and Jürg Wyttenbach. In 2014, he was awarded the Swiss Music Prize, which is given annually to outstanding musicians who have made significant contributions to the Swiss music scene. Despite his many accomplishments, Engeli remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform regularly throughout Europe and the United States, and is known for his thoughtful and insightful interpretations of the music he plays. As one critic wrote of his performance of Schubert's late piano works, "Engeli's playing is marked by a rare combination of technical mastery and emotional depth, and his interpretations are always thoughtful and nuanced.

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