Few pianists ever achieve the notoriety and rare musical insight earned by Marc-André Hamelin. His oeuvre spans universally-beloved masterworks to obscure gems, and he continues to propel piano art music into a bold future.
Hamelin was born in 1961 in Montreal, Canada. He began to study piano at the age of 5 under the influence of his father, who was a passionate amateur pianist. In his youth, he was exposed to the works of Alkan, Godowsky, and Sorabji. He would later study under renowned teachers like Yvonne Hubert, Harvey Weedon, and the late Russell Sherman.
Since winning first prize in the 1985 Carnegie Hall International American Music Competition at the age of 24, Hamelin has enjoyed a groundbreaking international career as a recitalist, orchestral soloist, chamber musician, and exclusive recording artist for Hyperion Records. He also has more than 30 compositions to his name, many of which push the human limits of piano virtuosity.
Hamelin’s dedication to reviving lesser-known works — in addition to his storied career and contributions to contemporary music — underscore his status as an Officer of the Order of Canada. He is the recipient of 7 Juno awards and 11 GRAMMY nominations, and has earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from the German Record Critics’ Association.