Torleif Thedéen

Swedish cellist Torleif Thedéen is a distinguished Professor at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo and holds a Visiting Professor position at the Royal College of Music in London. With a career spanning over four decades, he has established himself as one of the most prominent instrumentalists in the Nordic countries while maintaining a significant international presence as a recitalist, concerto soloist, recording artist, and pedagogue. His performances with major orchestras worldwide and collaborations with renowned conductors have solidified his reputation as a master cellist.

Thedéen's research interests primarily focus on cello performance and interpretation, with particular emphasis on the complete works of Bach, Romantic-era concertos, and contemporary compositions. His approach combines technical mastery with deep musical understanding, exploring the expressive possibilities of the cello across diverse repertoire. He has dedicated significant attention to chamber music collaborations, working with artists such as Janine Jansen, Marianna Shirinyan, and Martin Fröst to expand the boundaries of traditional performance practices.

His distinguished career has been recognized with numerous awards including the Edison Prize (2018) for his recording of Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time, a Cannes Classical Award for his Shostakovich Cello Concertos, and BBC Music Magazine's 'Recording of the Month' for his interpretation of the Bach Cello Suites. He was also a first prize winner at the prestigious Casals Competition early in his career.

As an educator, Thedéen has mentored numerous students at both the Norwegian Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, sharing his extensive knowledge of cello technique and musical interpretation. His performance career continues to flourish, with regular appearances at major festivals and concert halls worldwide, including Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, Berlin Philharmonie, and Amsterdam Concertgebouw. He has been a member of Spectrum concerts in Berlin since 2005, further expanding his chamber music activities.

Thedéen performs on a valuable 1783 Guadagnini cello on loan from the Norwegian Dextra foundation, previously owned by the legendary Mstislav Rostropovich, connecting him to a distinguished lineage of cello artistry.