Christina Åstrand, Violin
Biography
Violinist Christina Åstrand started to play the violin at the age of 4. She began her studies with professor Tutter Givskov at the Royal Jutland Conservatory of Music – as one of the youngest students ever. Further studies in Paris with professor Gerard Poulet. Soloist Diploma, 1990.
Christina Åstrand is one of the most remarkable violinists in Scandinavia. A big turning point in her career was when she – with very short notice – in 1990 played Sofia Gubaidulinas “Offertorium” at a big event with Århus Symfoni Orchestra. Since then she has been a frequent soloist with the leading Scandinavian orchestras - always with a personal interpretation whether it concerns the big classical violin concertos or contemporary music.
She is extremely versatile in terms of repertoire, ranging from the classical concertos to the most contemporary works for violin and orchestra. Several Danish composers have composed and dedicated works to her. She is one of the few violinists in the world who plays Ligeti´s Violin Concerto. Her recording of Ligeti and Per Nørgård´s violin concertos with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra DR and Thomas Dausgaard (Chandos) won the Diapason D´or 2001.
Danish music is a big part of Christina Åstrand´s repertoire. Her aim is to further the knowledge of Danish music outside Denmark and is doing so in her choice of repertoire and with her many CD recordings. In 2008 she will record violin concertos by Niels W. Gade and Rued Langgaard with Tampere Philharmonic and John Storgårds conducting.
Also chamber music is a big part of Christina Åstrands musical life. Please look Duo Åstrand/Salo and The Danish Horntrio.
In 1992 - at the age of 22 - Christina Åstrand won the position as first concert master for the Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra. A position she is currently holding.
Christina Åstrand has played in many different chamber music groups. Since 1995 she is playing in a duo with pianist Per Salo. They have played in many festivals throughout Scandinavia and Europe. The two musicians have also formed a trio with the French horn player Jakob Keiding (The Danish Horn Trio). They recently made a recording of the two most famous horn trios of Brahms and Ligeti. (Chandos)
In Denmark Christina Åstrand has received numerous awards and prizes – a.o. The Artist Prize of the Danish Music Critics. 2007 the duo Åstrand/Salo won two prizes at Danish Music Awards: Chamber Music release of the year and the prize of the danish listeners for their cd with The violin Music of Carl Nielsen.
Christina Åstrand plays a Stradivarius, 1705.
Copenhagen Artists represents Christina Åstrand in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.