Biography
The Finnish / Romanian composer, violinist and conductor Teodor Nicolau was born on 16th of March 1947 in Turda – Romania.
He studied violin in Cluj (Liceul de muzica) and in Bucharest (Academia de Muzica) and received his graduation diploma at Avy Abramovich’s violin class in 1971; he also studied violin in France (1977) with Christian Ferras.
Between 1976-1979 T. Nicolau studied at conductor’s class of J. Panula at Sibelius Akatemia in Helsinki. In 1977-78 he followed the master-classes of F. Quatrochi in France, and of Sergiu Celibidache in Germany.
During his studies at Liceul de Muzică from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, T. Nicolau studied composition with Prof. Celestin Cherebețiu at the Music Academy of Cluj.
During his studies at the Bukarest Music Academy, he was invited by the famous romanian composer Anatol Vieru to assist as an active audiant student at his composition classes.
During his conductor studies at Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, his instrumentation Professor the composer Prof. Einar Englud, guided Teodor Nicolau into composition as well.
Teodor Nicolau has played as violinist in Bukarest's (Romania) "George Enescu Phiharmonic Orchestra (1971-75), and in Helsinki Philharmonic Orkestra (Finland) (1976-2012). During his romanian periode he played in Academica and Athenaeum Quartets from Bukarest, and after his move to Finland in "Finlandia Sinfonietta" as well.
Teodor Nicolau's compositions have been performed in Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Estonia, Russia, Spain, France, Sweden, The Nederlands, Romania and Rep. of Moldova. His works was prized in Finland, Italia, Germany, Austria.
As conductor T. Nicolau has appearred in Finland, Romania, Rep. of Moldova, Macedonia, Estonia.
Discography as a composer:
- CD “Carbonara” – among others, Teodor Nicolau - “Mississauga-Suite” op. 5 for flute solo and chamber orchestra. Estonia Chamber Orchestra conducted by the composer, Matti Helin solo flute (1994)
- CD “Quaranta” – among others, Teodor Nicolau - “17 Miniatures for string quartet” op. 8 - (nr. 7,9,10,11,12,15,17) (ISRC - FIHM8 9800011 to 17) (1997)
- CD “Virtuoso” – among others, Teodor Nicolau - “Fairy Tale for a Duo” op. 13 (LC 09114 - EMM - 100109.01.0028.011) (2011)
- CD "Oboe Carnevale" - among others, Teodor Nicolau "Intrada" for oboe d'amore. (EAN 6419369094539) - Fuga (2016)
Music awards as a composer:
- 2nd Prize at the International Composition Competition organised by The New Symphony Orchestra, Vienna, Austria in 2020, for the symphonic poeme "Mioritic Roots" op. 12c for big symphony orchestra.
- Special Mention at the Film Music (Soundtracks) Competition 2016 Italy (Contemporary Category) for "Le Crèpuscule des pensées" op. 17 for small orchestra.
- Semifinalist at the Villiers Quartet International Composition Competition in 2016 - United Kingdom for "Distant Echoes" op. 24 for string quartet.
- Finalist at the International Composition Competition "Cita` di Udine" 2016 with "Echoes II" op. 23 b for mix piano quintet.
- Special mention at the "2nd International Composition Competition "Maurice Ravel" (Category C) 2015-2016 - Italy for "Two Pieces for big symphonic orchestra" op. 14 & "Echoes" op. 21 for string orchestra.
- Two special awards at the 3rd “Uuno Klami” International Composition Competition in 2014 - Finland. (The prize of the City of Kouvola and The Audience prize for "Mioritic roots" op. 12b for small symphony orchestra)
- The 6th prize at the “Crossover International Composition Competition” in Mannheim – 2009 - Germany for "Fairy Tale for a Duo" op. 13.
