Martin Helmchen - About

With all my heart I want to say thank you to everybody who is behind BBT’s wonderful idea and work. The value of these awards goes far beyond what “normal’ scholarships offer. The concept of getting with the funds the most competent advice about its use is unique and unprecedented.

German pianist Martin Helmchen is one of the most sought-after soloists of his generation. As a musician he is distinguished by the originality and intensity of his interpretations, which he presents with impressive tonal sensitivity and technical finesse. He has been working for decades with many of the world’s leading orchestras and celebrated conductors, yet chamber music has a special significance for him and he has built several long-term musical partnerships.

BBT certainly appreciates the huge benefit of taking time out to break the cycle of constant rehearsing, touring and performing and was pleased to offer Martin this opportunity by providing survival money, while also funding further studies, a new set of publicity photographs and the wholly new experience of the recording process by making a demo CD, the latter filmed as part of a short BBT Artist profile film. In contrast, stepping out of the studio and making a live performance recording was another new and stimulating experience for Martin; BBT supported an LPO Live album with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Vladimir Jurowski, in which the emotional exuberance of his performance and special affinity for his beloved Shostakovich Piano Concertos were perfectly captured (also on a second BBT film).

Martin was supported with a BBT Fellowship between 2004 and 2011.

For a current biography please visit dornmusic.com

Photographs by Peter Rigaud