Levon Chilingirian’s long association with Norway and its music was established when the Chilingirian Quartet was invited to give summer courses for the Norwegian Chamber Music Association for well over a decade.  Many of the participating young musicians have now become established and highly respected members of the profession.  Trondheim, through the inspirational leadership of Kare Opdal, played a key role in this.

Chilingirian is Professor of violin and chamber music at both the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.  His career began with winning the BBC Beethoven (1969) and the ARD Munich International (1971) Competitions with his duo partner, pianist Clifford Benson.

In September 1971, the Chilingirian Quartet was formed and established a world-wide reputation for its much-praised interpretations of classical, romantic  and contemporary repertoire.  As the Quartet approaches its 50th anniversary, it still has two of its founding members, Mark Butler and Chilingirian. 

Chilingirian is also a soloist and ensemble director and has appeared with the Trondheim Solosten, the Bergen Philharmonic, the Camerata Nordica, the Gothenberg Symphony and many other British and European orchestras.  He is honoured to be the Chairman of the Trondheim Quartet Competition since its establishment.

Foto: Garo Berberian