Leif Ove Andsnes

Leif Ove Andsnes, an international star for 15 years, is described by The New Yorker as one of the intimidating few who possess power and personality in equal measure. The Financial Times called him an eminently sensual musician, an artist capable of grace and introspection. He plays recitals, chamber music and concerts throughout the world, and is an exclusive EMI Classics recording artist.This fall, Mr. Andsnes opens the seasons of Carnegie Hall, the St. Louis Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra. In addition to playing concerts with orchestras in Munich, Stockholm and Copenhagen this season, he plays recitals in Europe and Japan, and tours with the Artemis Quartet and with the London Symphony Orchestra under Sir John Eliot Gardiner.Horizons, Leif Ove Andsnes's newest solo recording, is a recital of short works he has played all his life. His most recent concerto recording, described by Gramophone as a worthy contender for the Top Ten, featured Rachmaninov Piano Concertos. His discography also includes chamber music and works ranging from sonatas by Haydn, Schubert and Chopin to concertos by Mozart, Schumann, Brahms, Grieg, Shostakovich and Britten.Andsnes will record Marc-André Dalbavies new Piano Concerto in Munich next May. Last season he gave its premiere performances with the BBC Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony, the work's co-commissioners.Mr. Andsnes made his solo debut at Viennas Musikverein last season and gave multiple performances and master classes during a residence at LA's Walt Disney Concert Hall. He also toured the U.S. with the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, playing and conducting Mozart from the keyboard.A performance of Schuberts Winterreise with Ian Bostridge was a highlight of Mr. Andsnes's Carnegie Hall Perspectives season, presented by Carnegie Hall two seasons ago.Andsnes is co-artistic director of the Risør Chamber Music Festival in Norway, and a frequent guest at festivals in Europe and the U.S. He performed at the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. The New York Times has called Mr. Andsnes the most accomplished pianist of the new generation. Saluting this and other achievements, Vanity Fair named Andsnes one of the Best of the Best in January 2005.Leif Ove Andsnes is a Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav. He was born in Karmøy, Norway, in 1970 and studied at the Bergen Music Conservatory under Jiri Hlinka.Mr. Andsness concert attire is graciously provided by Issey Miyake.