Geir Botnen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geir Botnen
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Born | 27 February 1959 |
| Origin | Kvam, Norway |
| Genres | Classical |
| Occupation(s) | Pianist |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Labels | Aurora, Simax Classics, Lynor, Vest-Norsk Plateselskap, Barneselskapet |
Geir Botnen is a talented Norwegian pianist. He was born on February 27, 1959, in a place called Kvam. Geir Botnen is especially known for playing the music of a composer named Geirr Tveitt. However, he also performs many other beautiful pieces by different composers.
Contents
Becoming a Musician
Geir Botnen studied music for five years at the Bergen Music Conservatory. His teacher was a famous professor named Jiri Hlinka. During his studies, Geir showed amazing skill. Because of his talent, he was asked to play with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. This is a very important orchestra in Norway.
Early Achievements
In 1982, Geir Botnen made history. He became the first Norwegian pianist ever to compete in the Tchaikovsky Competition. This competition is a very big and famous music event held in Moscow.
Performing Around the World
Geir Botnen has played as a special soloist with many symphony orchestras. He has performed both in Norway and in the United States. He has worked with well-known conductors, who lead the orchestras. Some of these conductors include Alan Gilbert, Arvid Jansons, Dmitri Kitayenko, and Edward Serov.
Solo and Chamber Music
As a solo artist, Geir Botnen has given concerts all by himself. He has also played chamber music, which means performing with a small group of musicians. He has traveled to many countries for his music. These include the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, China, Germany, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark, and of course, Norway.
Special Performances
In 1993, Geir Botnen was chosen for a very special honor. He performed at the official opening of the Edvard Grieg Bicentennial Anniversary in Norway. This event celebrated 200 years since the birth of another famous Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg. After this, Geir also went on a tour to several capital cities in Asia.
He is often invited to play at the Bergen International Festival. This is one of Norway's biggest music festivals. He has also performed at other festivals, like the Risør Chamber Music Fest and the St. Magnus Festival in the Orkney Islands.
Focus on Geirr Tveitt
Geir Botnen has played a very important role in creating and leading the annual Norwegian Hardingtonar Festival. This festival focuses on the music of the composer Geirr Tveitt.
Geir Botnen has a special connection to Geirr Tveitt's music. He is a direct descendant of famous fiddle makers named Isak and Trond Botnen. Because of this family history, he became interested in Tveitt's music early in his life.
Acclaimed Recordings
Geir Botnen has recorded many of Geirr Tveitt's works. His recordings of Tveitt's "Fifty Folk Tunes from Hardanger" are especially famous. Critics, who review music, have praised these recordings very highly. His CDs also include music by Edvard Grieg and various chamber music pieces.
Images for kids
-
A friendly robot icon.
