Holger Berndsen

Holger Berndsen is a concert pianist and Professor of Vocal Accompaniment at the Hochschule für Musik Würzburg. He has also held a full-time teaching position at the Nuremberg University of Music since 2015, after teaching at Würzburg from 1998 to 2015. As a sought-after accompanist, he has collaborated with renowned singers such as Christian Elsner, Daniela Sindram, and Peter Schöne, and performed in major festivals like Schleswig-Holstein and at theaters in Darmstadt and Coburg.

• Education: Diploma from Würzburg University of Music (1990); studied under Prof. Arne Torger (Würzburg) and Prof. Lev Naumov at Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Conservatory (1994–1998).

Research and Pedagogical Focus: Berndsen specializes in the Lied repertoire (German art songs) and vocal-piano collaborations, with a strong emphasis on contemporary compositions and song interpretation. His teaching integrates accompaniment theory and masterclasses, particularly in Eastern Europe and Asia.

Performance Career: Active as a soloist and accompanist, Berndsen has performed works by Tchaikovsky, Ravel, and Rachmaninoff, including a critically acclaimed solo concert at Moscow’s Rachmaninoff Hall (1998). His recorded work includes CDs and radio performances with singers and chamber ensembles.

Current Role: Since 2016, he has returned to Würzburg University of Music as a full-time lecturer, balancing teaching with concert activities.