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Geir Botnen  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 and in the USA, playing underwell-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, China, Germany, Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. In 1993 Botnen was chosen to perform  at the officialopeningof the Edvard GriegBicentennialAnniversary in Norway and on a tour of Asian capitals. Botnen is a regular guest at the Bergen International Festival and has performed at festivals in Norway and abroad, like Risør Chamber Music Fest, St. Magnus Festival Orkney Islands and others.

Botnen has been pivotal in the founding of and as  artistic director of the annual Norwegian "Hardingtonar" Festival, focusing on the music of composer Geirr Tveitt (1908-1981). Botnen,a direct decendant of famous fiddle makers Isak and Trond Botnen, early aquiered an interestin Geirr Tveitt's music. His recordings of Tveitt's "Fifty Folk Tunes from Hardanger" as well as other piano-works, has been exceptionally well received by critics. His CD recordings includeworks by Tveitt, Griegand chamber music.

Botnen'sreadings of Tveitt's 5. Pianoconcerto with Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra / D. Kitayenko and St.Petersburg Capella Symphony Orchestra / E. Serow received standing ovationsandsuperbreviews.

His discography include a number of critical acclaimed CDs with music by his countrymen Grieg and Tveitt