Håkan Hardenberger

Håkan Hardenberger is an internationally acclaimed trumpeter and conductor known for his virtuosity, tireless innovation and prolific discography. He served as Artistic Director of the Malmö Chamber Music Festival from 2016 to 2018 and is Professor of Trumpet at the Malmö Academy of Music.

Born in Malmö, Sweden, on October 27th, 1961, Hardenberger began studying trumpet at eight years old, first with Bo Nilsson in his home country, and later with renowned French trumpeter Pierre Thibaud at the Conservatoire de Paris and with Thomas Stevens in Los Angeles.

Now one of the world’s most prominent trumpet soloists, Hardenberger has continued to push the boundaries of his instrument over the last four decades. His performances of both standard classical repertoire and pioneering new works - many of which were written for him by contemporary composers such as Sir Harrison Birtwistle and Hans Werner Henze - have established Hardenberger as one of his generation’s most important musicians.

A constantly busy schedule sees him perform regularly with leading orchestras from around the world such as the Berlin, New York and Vienna Philharmonics, the Boston and London Symphony Orchestras, and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Notable engagements in 2024 - 2025 include the Spanish, Swiss and Japanese premieres of Jörg Widmann’s Towards Paradise and the Scottish Premiere of Helen Grimes’ Trumpet Concerto night-sky-blue with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

An inspiration to many modern composers and musicians, Hardenberger is consistently held in the highest regard for both his stunning solo performances and his dedication to broadening artistic horizons.