Nicolas Altstaedt - Biography

Nicolas Altstaedt was supported by Borletti-Buitoni Trust between 2009 and 2013.  For an up-to-date biography please visit www.harrisonparrott.com

Born in 1982 into a family of German and French descent, Nicolas Altstaedt was one of Boris Pergamenschikow’s last students in Berlin, where he has continued his studies with Eberhard Feltz. After having won several international competitions he was awarded with the Credit Suisse Young Artist Award 2010, as part of which he was given the honour to play with the Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel at the Lucerne Festival. Highlights of past and upcoming seasons are concerts with the Tonhalle Orchestra, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, the Czech Philharmonic and all the BBC orchestras, collaborating with Sir Neville Marriner, David Zinman, Neeme Järvi, Sir Roger Norrington, Sir Andrew Davies, Adam Fischer and Andrej Boreyko, as well has his Proms debut as BBC New Generation Artist. His current chamber music partners are Alexander Lonquich, Jonathan Cohen, Pekka Kuusisto, Barnabás Kelemen and the Quatuor Ebène. He feels a deep commitment to contemporary composers, and works together with Thomas Adès, Jörg Widmann, Matthias Pintscher, Sofia Gubaidulina, Moritz Eggert, Fazil Say and HK Gruber. Nicolas Altstaedt was one of the few European members of the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society New York for the seasons 2009-2012. Nicolas Altstaedt was Gidon Kremer’s personal choice to succeed his as the new artistic director of the Lockenhaus Chamber Music Festival from 2012. Nicolas Altstaedt plays a Giulio Cesare Gigli cello made in 1789 generously on loan from Tarisio, as well as a cello by Robert König made in 2012.

Last updated May 2013

The essential thing the Borletti Buitoni Trust gave me, was a freedom of choice, which I had never experienced before. When I received the news, I remember being incredibly happy to be admitted to a family of people and musicians I admire, believe in and trust. Today it is so rare to meet people apart from musical partners, friends and teachers, with whom you can share your real doubts, wishes and ideas. If something comes up in my mind that bothers me, or if I need advice, they are always there for me to take time and consider carefully. The fact that a varied group of people with knowledge and awareness of young people’s needs, lend their ear to you with great sensitivity is much more worthwhile than anything else. Their generous support enables creativity in the best and most honest way! I am so grateful for being inspired by this unique team and looking forward to many more shared musical moments!

Photographs by Marco Borggreve