Krimm-Hjelmstad Duo
Violist, Andrew Krimm and Pianist Dr. Robert Hjelmstad; Captivating Evening of Viola and Piano Masterworks
Western Slope Concert Series is delighted to announce an extraordinary collaboration between renowned violist, Andrew Krimm, and esteemed pianist, Dr. Robert Hjelmstad. The two virtuosic musicians will join forces to deliver an enchanting concert of viola and piano masterworks. Andrew Krimm, known for his exceptional skill and passion for the viola, has captivated audiences worldwide with his soulful playing and nuanced expression. Dr. Robert Hjelmstad, an accomplished pianist and respected scholar, brings his expertise and artistry to this collaboration, promising an unforgettable performance. Together, Krimm and Hjelmstad will transport us through an enchanting musical journey, exploring the rich and varied repertoire for viola and piano. Join us for an evening that celebrates the beauty and eloquence of these two instruments in perfect harmony.
BIOGRAHPHIES
Andrew Krimm, viola
Andrew Krimm began studying viola at the age of 7 in Dallas, Texas. In 2006, he began Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Colorado Boulder, studying with Erika Eckert and Geraldine Walther. In 2011, Mr. Krimm returned to Dallas to pursue a Performer’s Diploma at Southern Methodist University where he studied with Ellen Rose. While in attendance, Andrew co-founded the award-winning string quartet, Altius Quartet. During their residency at SMU, Altius Quartet won first prize at the Coltman Chamber Music Competition, first prize at the Plowman Chamber Music Competition, and was awarded the Silver Medal at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition.
In the Fall of 2015, Mr. Krimm moved to Boulder to study with the world renowned Takacs Quartet. The Altius Quartet was awarded a three-year residency at CU-Boulder to guide the quartet through the creative and business aspects of having a successful career as a string quartet. In 2016 with the Altius Quartet, Mr. Krimm made his Carnegie Hall debut in NYC.
The Altius Quartet recently completed two albums. The first was released in April 2017 featuring a mash up of many different genres including Haydn, Bolcom, a-ha, and Dave Brubeck. The second, to be released in October 2017, features Shostakovich's “Personal Quartets” Nos. 7, 8, and 9. Both discs are being released by PARMA Recordings.
After serving as Board President for the Western Slope Concert Series, Andrew became the Executive Director in 2018. In 2020 Andrew was also named the Executive Director of the Boulder Symphony. An organization committed to connecting with and profoundly affecting the human spirit. Boulder Symphony envisions a community that is informed, connected, and inspired by the arts.
Dr. Robert Hjelmstad, piano
Dr. Robert Hjelmstad is a pianist with a wide range of interests in music, from collaborating, performing as a soloist, and teaching, to performing research and writing. In the academic arena, Hjelmstad has taught class piano and applied lessons at the University of Colorado-Boulder, the University of Georgia, and Laramie County Community College. His research into the music of Maurice Ravel and teaching strategies for memory enhancement has been presented at College Music Society and Music Teachers National Association events at the national and state level.
Hjelmstad is also a highly-sought private piano teacher, and currently holds positions at the Parlando School for Musical Arts in Boulder and the PH Piano Studio, which he co-runs with his wife in Longmont. After graduating with a DMA from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2019, he served as a sabbatical replacement for David Korevaar, teaching private lessons and studio classes. In 2022, he again answered the call and served as a sabbatical replacement, this time as a collaborative pianist. Since 2023, Hjelmstad has held the position of assistant teaching professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he teaches keyboard literature, keyboard harmony, and applied piano lessons, as well as playing for student recitals, juries, and masterclasses.
Previously, Hjelmstad has worked in the university setting with appointments at Metropolitan State University Denver and Laramie County Community College in 2021 and 2020 respectively. As a soloist, Hjelmstad has performed around the United States and in Brazil and has performed with orchestra in the state of Colorado. Outside of music, Hjelmstad is an avid reader, a fitness enthusiast and a dedicated creator of dad jokes in the presence of his wife, Jessica and their two children, Gabriel and Isabella.