“Bechstein – Ever since my university years, I’ve had a long love affair with these beautiful, distinctive instruments.”
Kolja Lessing
Kolja Lessing, born 1961 in Karlsruhe, and today one of the most versatile musicians of our time, feels closely connected to the brand C. Bechstein. As violinst and pianist he has imparted formative impulses to music life through his connection with interpretational and academic work. Through his dedication, for example, many important piano works and composers of the 20th century have been rediscovered for the concert hall. Internationally distinguished CD productions, which have appeared among others at Capriccio, Decca and Edition Abseits, document Kolja Lessing's stylistically differentiated examination of Barock to modern repertoires. Kolja Lessing's worldwide concert and recording activity as violinst and pianist contains collaboration with leading orchestras under conductors like Yakov Kreizberg, Nello Santi and Lothar Zagrosek as well as chamber music projects. In recognition of his engagements for ostracized composers, the Johann Wenzel Stamitz Special Prize was awarded to him in 1999. As composer, Kolja Lessing devotes himself preferably to chamber music forms having a lyrical stamp. Kolja Lessing is professor for violin and chamber music at the Music University Stuttgart. He received his own education from his mother and later Hansheinz Schneeberger in Basel.
Photo: © Kolja Lessing
