Leif Ove Andsnes

Leif Ove Andsnes (born April 7, 1970 in Stavanger) is a Norwegian pianist. He studied with Jiri Hlinka at the Grieg Academy of Music in Bergen. He is a constant champion of the music of Edvard Grieg.

Andsnes is one of the most respected classical pianists in the world today, being nominated for the prestigious Grammy Awards four times (as of December 2004). He has won numerous awards, including the Hindemith-Prize (1987), Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik (1997), Royal Philharmonic Society Award, (2000), and the Gramophone Awards – Instrumental Award, (2002, for Grieg's Lyric Pieces).

In 2002 he played Grieg's Piano Concerto at the Last Night of the Proms.

Also a renowned chamber musician, he holds the position of Artistic Director at the Risør Festival of Chamber Music.

Andsnes has made several recordings for Virgin and EMI. He is known for his smooth, nice, polished and impersonal style, and for "letting the music speak for itself."