Pianist Nikita Khnykin from Oslo is studying the Master programme in music at Ingesund School of Music with Professor Julia Mustonen-Dahlkvist as his main teacher. Recently, he has been nominated for the Equinor Morgendagens Helter award, a scholarship that the Norwegian energy company Equinor has awarded for several years.
Throughout his career, Nikita Khnykin has performed as a soloist with, among others, the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, and the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra on live TV (NRK) and radio. Nikita has won several prizes in Norway and abroad, including 1st prize and all possible awards ("Talent of the Year", Audience Award, and EMCY Award) in Norway's national music competition for youth (UMM) and 1st prize in the "Young Soloists" competition in Stockholm and Malmö Piano Competition.
The Equinor Morgendagens Helter award, with a sum of 1 million NOK, aims to support Norwegian talents – children and young people in three important areas: science, culture, and sports – and also open opportunities for an international career.
"Being nominated for this award is a great honor," says Nikita Khnykin. It is a valuable recognition of the work I do, which I receive support and inspiration for through my teachers and fellow students at Ingesund."
"Nikita is a star student with us and has previously completed our bachelor's program, says Jon Dahlkvist, program leader for the Artistic Master's Program for Musicians at Ingesund School of Music. Last weekend, he conducted the symphony orchestra at Ingesund's Christmas concert – my impression is that he is a future great musician and music leader."
The nominees for the Equinor Morgendagens Helter award are pianist Nikita Khnykin, 21, from Oslo; singers Eirik Grøtvedt, 31, from Sarpsborg, and Hedvig Haugerud, 30, from Oslo; and the choir Solistkoret Ung, which has members from all over Norway. The winner will be announced on January 9, 2025.
