Christian Eggen had already established a highly successful career as a pianist when he started his conducting career in the early 80s. In 1984 he represented Norway at the Biennale for Nordic Soloists, and his recording of Carl Nielsens piano works was received to great critical acclaim.
The international breakthrough as a conductor came during the World Music Days in 1990, and he rapidly became one of the Nordic countries most prominent performers. Since 1988 he has been conductor of the Norwegian Cikada ensemble, and in 1993 he was appointed artistic director of the Oslo Sinfonietta.
Today he is regarded as one of Europe’s finest interpreters of contemporary music and has worked closely with composers such as Morton Feldman, Witold Lutoslawski, Iannis Xenakis, John Cage, György Kurtag, Helmut Lachenmann, Kaija Saariaho, Magnus Lindberg, Carola Bauckholt and Luca Francesconi. He regularly appears with leading orchestras and contemporary music groups throughout Europe.
His own output includes music for film and theatre, chamber music, orchestral works, and electroacoustic compositions and installations.
Among prizes and awards is the prestigious Nordic Council Music Prize in 2005, with the Cikada group. In 2007 His Majesty King Harald 5 appointed him Commander of The Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav.