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MARTIN
HELMCHEN
PIANO

„Mr. Helmchen has a noble bearing and a noble sound, shaping lines as elegant and clean as a Greek temple’s.“
THE NEW YORK TIMES

ConcertsDiscography

Biography

Martin Helmchen Piano

“Nothing disconcerts the glorious, unshowy Martin Helmchen — the kind of performer who lifts his audiences up to heaven just by penetrating inside his music with nimble fingers, questing intelligence and a beating heart.”

The Times

Martin Helmchen has established himself as one of today’s most in-demand and sought-after pianists, characterised by the originality and intensity of his interpretations, alongside his excellent tonal sensitivity and technical abilities. In 2020 he was awarded the prestigious Gramophone Music Award for his recording Ludwig van Beethoven’s complete piano concertos with the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin under Andrew Manze, released by Alpha Classics. In 2022 he received the ICMA-Award.

From early on in his career Helmchen has performed with the world’s most renowned orchestras such as the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestras, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony and New York Philharmonic as well as Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Wiener Symphoniker, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich and Orchestre de Paris. In Scandinavia he appears regularly with the Oslo Philharmonic, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and Danish National Symphony Orchestra. He enjoys collaborations with conductors such as Herbert Blomstedt, Manfred Honeck, Andrew Manze, Kazuki Yamada, Vladimir Jurowski, Andris Nelsons, Christoph von Dohnányi, Jakub Hrůša, Klaus Mäkelä, Paavo Järvi, Sakari Oramo, Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Michael Sanderling and David Zinman.

Chamber music has a special significance for Helmchen – a passion for which Boris Pergamenschikow provided the essential impetus. Close chamber music partners include his wife Marie-Elisabeth Hecker, Frank Peter Zimmermann, Julian Prégardien, Antje Weithaas and Carolin Widmann.

Highlights of the 2022/2023 season include concerts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Oslo Philharmonic, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, NDR Radiophilharmonie, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo and the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, with whom Martin Helmchen will present three different projects. Recitals will take him to the Boston Celebrities Series, the Konzerthaus Dortmund, Toppan Hall Tokyo, the Thomaskirche Leipzig and the Thüringer Bachwochen, among others. With his wife Marie-Elisabeth Hecker, Martin Helmchen has commissioned a double concerto for violoncello and piano from York Höller, which they premiered at the Klavier-Festival Ruhr in June 2022 and will repeat with the Kremerata Baltica as part of the opening of the Casals Forum, as well as with the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin at the Ultraschall Festival in the 2022/23 season. Concerts with Frank Peter Zimmermann are planned at the Rheingau Music Festival, in London, Luxembourg, Bern and Monaco.

Martin Helmchen is an exclusive artist with Alpha Classics. His most recent release was the highly acclaimed album “Novelletten und Gesänge der Frühe” with piano works by Robert Schumann in March 2022. May 2021 saw the release of his recording of Carl Maria von Weber’s Concert Piece with the Konzerthausorchester Berlin under Christoph Eschenbach. His past releases have included Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations, Messiaen’s “Vingt regards sur l’enfant-Jésus”, and a duo album with Marie-Elisabeth Hecker with works by Brahms and Schubert.


Born in Berlin in 1982 and a former student of Galina Iwanzowa, Helmchen continued his studies with Arie Vardi at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover. Other mentors include William Grant Naboré and Alfred Brendel. His career gained incredible momentum when he won the “Concours Clara Haskil” in 2001. Since 2010, Martin Helmchen has been an Associate Professor of chamber music at the Kronberg Academy.

Season 2022/2023

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Biography German

Biography English

Biography French

Press

Concerts

Sun 15.12.2024
Frankfurt

Alte Oper Frankfurt, Germany

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Klavierkonzert Nr. 26 D-Dur KV 537 "Krönungs-Konzert"

Frankfurter Opern- und Museumsorchester

Simone Young

Mon 16.12.2024
Frankfurt

Alte Oper Frankfurt, Germany

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Klavierkonzert Nr. 26 D-Dur KV 537 "Krönungs-Konzert"

Frankfurter Opern- und Museumsorchester

Simone Young

Sun 12.01.2025
Kammermusik: Essen

Philharmonie Essen, Germany

Lili Boulanger: D'un matin du printemps (1918)
Robert Schumann: Klaviertrio Nr. 1 d-Moll op. 63 (1847)
**************
Antonin Dvořák: Klaviertrio Nr. 4 e-Moll op. 90 "Dumky Trio" (1891)

Carolin Widmann, Marie-Elisabeth Hecker

Thu 16.01.2025
Kammermusik: Frankfurt

Alte Oper Frankfurt, Germany

Franz Schubert: Klaviertrio B-Dur D 898 op. posth. 99
**************
Peter I. Tschaikowsky: Klaviertrio a-Moll op. 50, “A la mémoire d'un grand artiste”

Marie-Elisabeth Hecker, Antje Weithaas

Sat 01.02.2025
Künzelsau

Carmen-Würth-Forum, Germany

Robert Schumann: Klavierkonzert a-Moll op. 54

Würth Philharmoniker

Christoph Koncz

Sat 15.02.2025
Rezital: Prag

Rudolfinum, Czechia

Franz Schubert: Klaviersonate a-Moll D 537 op. posth. 164 (1817)
Sofia Gubaidulina: Chaconne (1965) für Klavier
Ludwig van Beethoven: Klaviersonate Nr. 14 cis-Moll op. 27/2 ("Mondschein-Sonate")
**************
Franz Schubert: Klaviersonate D-Dur D 850 op. 53

Wed 19.02.2025
Rezital: Wetzikon

Aula Kantonsschule Wetzikon, Switzerland

Franz Schubert: Klaviersonate a-Moll D 537 op. posth. 164 (1817)
Sofia Gubaidulina: Chaconne (1965) für Klavier
Ludwig van Beethoven: Klaviersonate Nr. 14 cis-Moll op. 27/2 ("Mondschein-Sonate")
**************
Franz Schubert: Klaviersonate D-Dur D 850 op. 53

Sun 23.02.2025
Rezital: Oldenburg

Oldenburgisches Staatstheater, Germany

Franz Schubert: Klaviersonate a-Moll D 537 op. posth. 164 (1817)
Sofia Gubaidulina: Chaconne (1965) für Klavier
Ludwig van Beethoven: Klaviersonate Nr. 14 cis-Moll op. 27/2 ("Mondschein-Sonate")
**************
Franz Schubert: Klaviersonate D-Dur D 850 op. 53

Thu 06.03.2025
Nijmegen

Stadsschouwburg en De Vereeniging, Netherlands

Franz Schubert: Klaviertrio B-Dur D 898 op. posth. 99
**************
Peter I. Tschaikowsky: Klaviertrio a-Moll op. 50, “A la mémoire d'un grand artiste”

Marie-Elisabeth Hecker, Antje Weithaas

Tue 11.03.2025
Kammermusik: Gauting

bosco Bürger - und Kulturhaus, Germany

Franz Schubert: Klaviertrio B-Dur D 898 op. posth. 99
**************
Robert Schumann: Klaviertrio Nr. 1 d-Moll op. 63 (1847)

Marie-Elisabeth Hecker, Antje Weithaas

Wed 12.03.2025
Kammermusik: Freiburg

Konzertsaal der Musikhochschule Freiburg, Germany

Franz Schubert: Klaviertrio B-Dur D 898 op. posth. 99
**************
Peter I. Tschaikowsky: Klaviertrio a-Moll op. 50, “A la mémoire d'un grand artiste”

Marie-Elisabeth Hecker, Antje Weithaas

Gallery

Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen

© Giorgia Bertazzi

Publishing of photo only with copyright:
Photo: Giorgia Bertazzi

Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen

© Giorgia Bertazzi

Publishing of photo only with copyright:
​Photo: Giorgia Bertazzi

Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen

© Marco Borggreve

Publishing of photo only with copyright:
​Photo: Marco Borggreve

Marie-Elisabeth Hecker und Martin Helmchen
Marie-Elisabeth Hecker und Martin Helmchen

© Harald Hoffmann

Publishing of photo only with copyright:
​Photo: Harald Hoffmann

Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen

© Giorgia Bertazzi

Publishing of photo only with copyright:
​Photo: Giorgia Bertazzi

Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen

©

Publishing of photo only with copyright:
​Photo:

Martin Helmchen
Marie-Elisabeth Hecker und Martin Helmchen
Marie-Elisabeth Hecker und Martin Helmchen

© Harald Hoffmann

Publishing of photo only with copyright:
​Photo: Harald Hoffmann

Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen

© Giorgia Bertazzi

Publishing of photo only with copyright:
​Photo: Giorgia Bertazzi

Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen

© Giorgia Bertazzi

Publishing of photo only with copyright:
​Photo: Giorgia Bertazzi

Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen

© Marco Borggreve

Publishing of photo only with copyright:
​Photo: Marco Borggreve

Helmchen und Hecker
Marie-Elisabeth Hecker und Martin Helmchen
Marie-Elisabeth Hecker und Martin Helmchen

© Harald Hoffmann

Publishing of photo only with copyright:
​Photo: Harald Hoffmann

Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen
Martin Helmchen

© Giorgia Bertazzi

Publishing of photo only with copyright:
​Photo: Giorgia Bertazzi

Video

Martin Helmchen & Orchestra

Beethoven – Concerto pour piano n°3, Premier mouvement
Martin Helmchen

Martin Helmchen Recital

Verbier Festival:
Martin Helmchen plays Liszt and Beethoven

Discography

C. Schumann, R. Schumann

R. Schumann, Acht Novelletten, op. 21
C. Schumann, Soirées musicales, op. 6
R. Schumann, Gesänge der Frühe, op. 133

04.2022, Alpha, CD

Beethoven

The Violin Sonatas 8-10

09.2021, BIS records, CD

Schubert

Schwanengesang D. 957
Mendelssohn

09.2021, Alpha, 2 CD

Weber

Ouvertüren & Konzertstück

Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Christoph Eschenbach

05.2021, Alpha, CD

Beethoven

The Violin Sonatas 5-7

03.2021, BIS records, CD

Beethoven

Piano Concerto No 3 & Triple Concerto

Andrew Manze, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin

10.2020, Alpha, CD

Beethoven

The Violin Sonatas 1-4

09.2020, BIS records, CD

Beethoven

Piano Concertos No. 1 & 4

Andrew Manze, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin

06.2020, Alpha Classics, CD

Beethoven

Piano Concertos 2 & 5 “Emperor”

11.2019, Alpha, CD

Messiaen

Messiaen

Vingt Regards Sur L’Enfant Jésus

Beethoven Diabelli Variationen

Ludwig van Beethoven

Diabelli Variations in C Major, op.120

Alpha-Classics.com
Released: 2017

Schubert Arpeggione Sonata Trio No.2

Antje Weithaas, violin
Marie-Elisabeth Hecker, violoncello
Martin Helmchen, piano

Piano Trio No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 100, D. 929
Arpeggione Sonata, D. 821


Alpha Classics / Outhere Music France
Released: October 2017

Beethoven Triple Concerto / Symphony No.5

Gewandhausorchester Leipzig

Isabelle Faust, violin
Jean-Guihen Queyras, cello
Martin Helmchen, piano

Ludwig von Beethoven
Concerto for Pianoforte, Violin, Violoncello and Orchestra C major op. 56 “Tripel Concerto”

Symphony No.5 C minor op.67

accentus music ACC20411
DVD Released: 2017

Johannes Brahms,
Cello Sonatas
CD Cover

Marie-Elisabeth Hecker – cello
Martin Helmchen – piano

Cello Sonata No.1 in e minor, OP.38
Cello Sonata No.2 in f major, OP.99
Alpha Classics
Released: 2016

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Klavierkonzerte Nr. 15 & 27

Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, Gordan Nikolic

Released: 19 November 2013

Robert Schumann

Symphonische Etüden Op.13/Arabesque/Waldszenen

Released: 06 November 2012

Live at Verbier Festival – DVD

Beethoven, Bach, Liszt

Released: 18 August 2012

Recherchen

Vom Suchen und Finden der Musik

Junge Deutsche Philharmonie

Released: 01 December 2011

Vincent d’ Indy,
Camille Saint- Saens,
Ernest Chausson
CD Cover

Martin Helmchen – piano
Orchestra de la Suisse Romande
Marek Janowski – conductor

Vincent d’Indy, Symphonie sur un chant montagnard français
Camille Saint- Saens, Symphony No. 2 in A minor Op. 55 (1859)
Ernest Chausson, Soir de fête 14. 42 & Symphonic poem Op. 32

PTC 5186 357
Released: 01.09.2011

Dmitri Shostakovitch

Klavierkonzerte 1+2/Klavierquintett

London Philharmonic Orchestra / Vladimir Jurowski

Released: 01 May 2011

Felix Mendelssohn
The Piano Concertos & Rondo brilliant, Op.29
CD Cover

Martin Helmchen – piano
Royal Flemish Philharmonic
Philippe Herreweghe – conductor

Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25
Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 40
Rondo brilliant, Op.29

PTC 5186 366
Released: 01.09.2010

Franz Schubert,
Complete Works for violin and piano Vol. II
CD Cover

Julia Fischer – violin/ piano
Martin Helmchen – piano

Sonata for Violin and Piano in A, D.574 “Duo”
Fantasia in C, for Violin and Piano D.934
Fantasy in F minor, D. 940 (Op.103)

PTC 5186 348
Released: 01.04.2010

Robert Schumann,
Antonín Dvorák
CD Cover

Martin Helmchen – piano
Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg
Marc Albrecht – conductor

Robert Schumann, Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.54
Antonín Dvorák Piano Concerto in G minor, Op.33

PTC 5186 333
Released: 01.10.2009

Franz Schubert,
Complete Works for violin and piano Vol. I
CD Cover

Julia Fischer – violin
Martin Helmchen – piano

Sonata (Sonatina) for Violin and Piano No.1 in D, D.384
Sonata (Sonatina) for Violin and Piano No.2 in A minor, D.385
Sonata (Sonatina) for Violin and Piano No.3 in G minor, D.408
Rondo for Violin and Piano in B minor “Rondo Brillant”, D.895

PTC 5186 347
Released: 01.08.2009

Franz Schubert,
Piano Quintet in A, D.667
“The Trout”
CD Cover

Martin Helmchen – piano
Christian Tetzlaff – violin
Antoine Tamestit – viola
Marie-Elisabeth Hecker – violoncello

Piano Quintet in A, D.667 – “The Trout”
Variations on “Trockne Blumen” for Flute and Piano, D.802
Adagio in E flat, Op. posth. 148 D.897 “Notturno”

PTC 5186 334
Released: 01.03.2009

Johannes Brahms, Sonatas & Trio
CD Cover

Sharon Kam – clarinet
Martin Helmchen – piano
Gustav Rivinius – violoncello

Sonata for clarinet and piano in f minor op. 120, No. 1
Sonata for clarinet and piano in E flat major op. 120, No. 2
Trio for piano, clarinet and violoncello in a minor op.114

Berlin Classics 0016382 BC
Released: 2009

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Piano Concertos Nos. 13 & 24

Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, Gordan Nikolic

Released: 01 August 2007

Franz Schubert

Klaviersonate d 959/6 Moments Musicaux d 780

Released: 2007

Contact

General Management

Konzertdirektion Schmid
sophia herz-grevesmühl

Sophia.Herz-Grevesmuehl@kdschmid.de
+49 (0) 30 5213 702-28

UK, Nordic, Australia and New Zealand

Konzertdirektion Schmid London
Susanne büttner

Susanne.Buettner@kdschmid.co.uk
+44 (0) 20 73950910

Canada, North and South America

Konzertdirektion Schmid
Ann Synhyung Kim

Ann.Kim@kdschmid.com
+1 917 306 9718

France

Caroline Martin Musique
Caroline Martin

caroline.martin.musique@orange.fr
+33 06 81 07 92 37

Italy

Segretariato Artistico dell’Associazione Polesine
Leonardo e Paolo Finotti

info@leonardofinotti.it
+39 042 5600775

Japan

Novellette Artists Management

Chikako ITAGAKI

chikako.itagaki@novellette-arts.com
+81 90 4168 2866

Spain

Musiespaña
Rosa García

rgarcia@musiespana.com
+34 91 591 32 90