Geir Botnen was born 1959 in Norheimsund, Norway and is one of Norway's most renowned pianists. During his 5 years studies at the Bergen Music

Conservatory with professor Jiri Hlinka, he demonstrated remarkable talent, and was invited to perform with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1982 he was the first Norwegian pianist to take part in the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. His very successful official debut took place in Oslo 1988.

Botnen has been a soloist with a number of symphony orchestras both in Norway, Russia, Lithuania and in the USA, playing under well-acclaimed Maestros like Alan Gilbert, Arvid Jansons, Dmitri Kitayenko and Edward Serov.

As a solo recitalist and chamber musician he has concertized in the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway. In 1993  Botnen performed at the  official  opening  of  the  Edvard Grieg Bicentennial Anniversary in Norway  and on  tour of Asian capitals.