Performers & composers

Christian Præstholm

Christian Præstholm (b. 1972 in Aarhus, Denmark). Educated at The Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus (RAMA) with début from the soloist class in 1999. Further studies 1996-97 with Professor Susan Landale at the Conservatoire National de Région de Rueil-Malmaison in Paris where he gained the highest recognition: Prix de Virtuosité avec l’Unanimité du Jury; 1997-98 studies with David Titterington and Nigel Allcoat (improvisation) in London, and 1999 lessons with the new-music-specialist Hans-Ola Ericsson, Sweden.

Master classes in interpretation with Michael Radulescu, Hans-Ola Ericsson, Petr Eben, Jon Laukvik, Nicolas Kynaston, Montserrat Torrent, Lionel Rogg, Ludger Lohmann and in improvisation with Anders Bondemann and Haji Hakim.

In 2000 he graduated in advanced musical theory from RAMA. After this he was appointed teacher in organ playing and music theory at the same institution. He is also teaching at the Royal Academy of Music in Aalborg and at the Church Musician School in Vestervig.

As a soloist and accompanist he has given numerous concerts in Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Poland and Iceland, although he is also active as an organ improviser and composer, having written works for choir, organ, various soloists and chamber ensembles. Harpsichord player in the baroque-ensemble "Den Jyske Sinfonietta", plays in duo with Henrik Larsen (percussion), Lena Kildahl (flute), Niels Tilma (baroque trumpet) among others.

He has received grants from foundations including The Composer Jacob Gade’s Foundation, The Augustinus Foundation, The Knud Højgaard’s Foundation, Fondation Idella and The Society of Piano and Organ Builders in Denmark’s organ award 1999.

He has held the post of Organist at Lisbjerg Church, Denmark and The Danish Church in respectively Paris and London.

His predilection for contemporary music has led to close co-operations with, and several first performances of works by contemporary composers, and several new works have already been commissioned.