Herman Rechberger (born in Linz, Austria in 1947) studied graphic art and guitar in Linz before continuing his guitar studies in Zurich and Brussels. He has been living in Finland since 1970 and became a Finnish citizen in 1974.
He studied composition at the Sibelius Academy with Aulis Sallinen (diploma 1976), guitar with Ivan Putilin, the recorder with Olli Ruottinen, oboe with Asser Sipilä and electronic music with Osmo Lindeman. Rechberger has played contemporary recorder solos including first performances of own and other composers' works in various European countries, the USA, Cuba and the United Arab Emirates. He performed with the Sonores Antiqui ensemble specialising in early music. He also performs as an instrumentalist with the vocal ensemble Köyhät Ritarit (The Poor Knights). Rechberger has worked as a producer of contemporary music at the Finnish Broadcasting Company and was Artistic Director of the FBC's Experimental Studio 1979-1984.
Since 1994 he has devoted himself to Arabian music with an emphasis on its rhythm. Rechberger plays various Arabian percussion instruments such as Bendir, Darabuka, Req and Duff and performs frequently together with the Syrian-born Finnish cellist Munir Bakieh (Duo MERHABA). The first performance of his cello concerto (with darabuka solo) took place at the Cairo Opera House in December 1997.
Rechberger now works as a composer-in-residence and in 1995 received a 15-year grant from the Finnish Governement. His works have been awarded prizes in numerous international as well as national contests.
Tel. +358-9-8781701 or +358-400-875270
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