Ralf Gothóni

Ralf Gothóni studied the piano from the age of five, first with [[Tapani Valsta]] at the Sibelius Academy, Helsinki and later with [[Ervin László]] in Fribourgh, Switzerland and Max Martin Stein in Düsseldorf.{{Cite book | editor=Haapakoski, Martti |editor2=Heino, Anni |editor3=Huttunen, Matti |editor4=Lampila, Hannu-Ilari |editor5=Maasalo, Katri | title= Suomalaisen musiikin historia: Esittävä säveltaide| publisher=WSOY| location=Helsinki | pages=40–43 | year=2002 | isbn=951-0-23564-4 | language=fi}}

Ralf Gothóni studied the piano from the age of five, first with [[Tapani Valsta]] at the Sibelius Academy, Helsinki and later with [[Ervin László]] in Fribourgh, Switzerland and Max Martin Stein in Düsseldorf.{{Cite book | editor=Haapakoski, Martti |editor2=Heino, Anni |editor3=Huttunen, Matti |editor4=Lampila, Hannu-Ilari |editor5=Maasalo, Katri | title= Suomalaisen musiikin historia: Esittävä säveltaide| publisher=WSOY| location=Helsinki | pages=40–43 | year=2002 | isbn=951-0-23564-4 | language=fi}}

Gothóni made his recital debut in 1967 as the "Debutant of the year" at the Jyväskylä Summerfestival. Thereafter he performed as recitalist, orchestra soloist and chamber musician mostly in his home country until leaving Finland in 1977 after organizing his first project and landmark of his career; The [[Schubertiade]] in Helsinki: forty Finnish singers performed circa 450 [[lied]]er by [[Franz Schubert]]. Gothóni played all of them and soon, after moving to Berlin, he became famous as Lieder pianist appearing as partner with such singers as [[Jorma Hynninen]], [[Martti Talvela]], [[Arleen Augér]], [[Edith Mathis]], [[Anne Sofie von Otter]], [[Ileana Cotrubas]], [[Peter Schreier]], and [[Barbara Hendricks]].

Gothóni made his recital debut in 1967 as the "Debutant of the year" at the Jyväskylä Summerfestival. Thereafter he performed as recitalist, orchestra soloist and chamber musician mostly in his home country until leaving Finland in 1977 after organizing his first project and landmark of his career; The [[Schubertiade]] in Helsinki: forty Finnish singers performed circa 450 [[lied]]er by [[Franz Schubert]]. Gothóni played all of them and soon, after moving to Berlin, he became famous as Lieder pianist appearing as partner with such singers as [[Jorma Hynninen]], [[Martti Talvela]], [[Arleen Augér]], [[Edith Mathis]], [[Anne Sofie von Otter]], [[Ileana Cotrubas]], [[Peter Schreier]], and [[Barbara Hendricks]].

In Berlin Gothóni played many concerts as soloist and chamber musician in early 80ties and he came together with the most important classical music agent who wanted have him on his roster. The discussions were not fruitful: The Agent asked Gothóni to make decision about his character – to be everything - soloist, chamber musician and Lieder pianist was an illusion. Gothóni moved to Munich and from there to Hamburg where he stayed 18 years. He appeared as versatile pianist in recitals, orchestra concerts, at chamber music festivals and tours with instrumentalists and singers until the mid 1990s. After being chosen for the American Gilmore Artist Award in 1994 he concentrated on solo and chamber concerts and started with conducting.

In Berlin Gothóni played many concerts as soloist and chamber musician in early 80ties and he came together with the most important classical music agent who wanted have him on his roster. The discussions were not fruitful: The Agent asked Gothóni to make decision about his character – to be everything - soloist, chamber musician and Lieder pianist was an illusion. Gothóni moved to Munich and from there to Hamburg where he stayed 18 years. He appeared as versatile pianist in recitals, orchestra concerts, at chamber music festivals and tours with instrumentalists and singers until the mid 1990s. After being chosen for the American Gilmore Artist Award in 1994 he concentrated on solo and chamber concerts and started with conducting.

[[Category:21st-century classical pianists]]

[[Category:21st-century classical pianists]]

[[Category:21st-century German male musicians]]

[[Category:21st-century German male musicians]]

[[Category:21st-century male pianists]]