Alf Richard Kraggerud is one of the most successful and respected violin teachers originating from Scandinavia. His students have won numerous international prizes over the past twenty years. Several of his protégées presently enjoy extensive careers, performing with major orchestras, participating in prestigious festivals, as well as appearing frequently in the media, both nationally inNorwayand abroad. The list includes well known artists like Vilde Frang, Eldbjørg Hemsing and Guro Kleven Hagen. He has also played a significant role in the development of his younger brother Henning Kraggerud career. For his achievements as a pedagogue he received Lindemanprisen the highest award given in this field in Norway.
Many of Mr. Kraggerud’s achievements are undoubtedly founded on an unusually eclectic education and a wealth of experience from an early age (he taught his first pupils at 13). In 1992, after having completed his studies in pedagogy and violin with honors at the renowned Barratt Due Institute of Music (Oslo,Norway), he continued to study conducting in London (classes at the Royal Academy and Morley College with G. Hurst and L. Leonard respectively). After an interlude as 1st violinist in the Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra and principal at the Gjøvik Music School (Norway), he assumed responsibilities for Unge Talenter the talent section (pre-school) of the Barratt Due Institute of Music (1999-2007), thus in large part being responsible for the academy achieving its current status as an institution at the international forefront of musical education. Presently, he is the co-director of Barratt Due following a period of performing his duties as principal of the Razumovsky Academy (London, England, 2007-2009).
One of Mr. Kraggerud’s most towering accomplishments, and a further testimony to his many administrative skills, is arguably his being the founder, artistic director and developer of the Valdres Sommersymfoni inNorway(initiated in 1994). Today, a privately and government funded summer course in solo-, chamber- and orchestral playing (as well as conducting) with participants ranging from small children to young adults, this festival is one of the largest and uniquely productive of its kind. Utilizing his experience as a sought-after lecturer and instructor at prestigious venues in many parts of the world Mr. Kraggerud expertly combines play and ambition; the novice with the world famous; exchange and interaction; thereby producing a course of exceptional standard and global renown.
