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The pianist Ralf Nattkemper is widely recognized by international critics as one of the outstanding representatives of the younger German generation. He received his first
piano lessons at the age of five from a pupil of Claudio Arrau.
He continued his studies with the Russian-Brasilian pianist Yara Bernette, the Italian-Argentinian pianist Fausto Zadra and with Wilhelm Kempff, thus combining South-American virtuosity and the German tradition.
He was hailed in the press for his Ńexemplary interpretation“ of Chopin½s third sonata (L'Unità, Rome) as well as for Ńthe great artistic maturity and expressiveness“ in his performance of Brahms' first concerto (Hamburger Abendblatt). Often dedicated to a single composer, his programmes comprise almost the whole of the classical-romantic repertory. Especially noted by audiences and critics are the deep understanding and sensitivity he displays in the music of Schubert, which has come to form a central part of his programmes in recent years, with particular emphasis on the last sonatas. He plays regularly in most European countries and musical centers such as Hamburg, Rotterdam, Brussels, Venice, Rome, Madrid, Caracas, Sofia etc., and is a frequent guest at numerous festivals, e.g. Venice, Verona, Assisi, Santander, Wallonie, Colonia Tovar (Venezuela). He has played with celebrated orchestras, e.g. l'orchestre de chambre de Lausanne, Hamburger Symphoniker, Bucharest Radio Symphony Orchestra, l'orchestra municipal de Caracas, Bulgarien Radio Symphony Orchestra ect.

Beside his career as a soloist Mr. Nattkemper enjoys playing chamber music, amongst others with the Russian violinist Mark Lubotzky.He has recorded for radio and CD in several countries.

International piano competitions in Brussels, Rome, Messina, Caltanissetta,Vibo Valentia, Sofia, San Sebastian, Jaen ect. have invited him to serve on the jury.

Ralf Nattkemper is also much in demand as a teacher. He has held masterclasses in Brussels, Venice, Rotterdam, Lausanne, Girona, Lisbon, Madrid and Sofia and has a piano class at the Musikhochschule Hamburg.