| Biography | Michael Schønwandt (born 10 September 1953 in Copenhagen) is a Danish conductor. In Denmark, he studied piano, theory, and composition, and later continued musical studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
In 1979, Schønwandt secured a post as 'permanent conductor' by the Royal Opera in Copenhagen. Schønwandt is Music Director of the Royal Danish Orchestra and the Royal Opera in Copenhagen since 2000. His work in contemporary opera has included conducting the world premiere productions of Poul Ruders' operas The Handmaids Tale and Dancer in the Dark.
Schønwandt was principal guest conductor of the Théâtre National de La Monnaie from 1984 to 1987, and held the same post with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra from 1987 to 2000. Schønwandt has also served as chief conductor of the Berliner Sinfonie-Orchester from 1992 to 1998. In May 2009, Schønwandt was named principal conductor of the Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic and formally took up the post in August 2010.
Schønwandt's recordings include the symphonies and concerti of Carl Nielsen. In addition, he has made several opera recordings, such as Salome and The Handmaids Tale.
In 2005, Schønwandt was made a Knight 1st Class (Ridder af 1. grad) of the Order of the Dannebrog. |