Are von der Lippe is a retired consultant cardiologist at Diakonhjemmet Hospital in Oslo.
He is a highly accomplished pianist after many years of study with Erling Westher in Oslo, followed by 15 years as a piano student at the Juilliard School of Music in New York. Throughout his life Are has been a passionate music lover and has listened to thousands of concerts in Norway and abroad. He has developed a deep expertise in the quality of performances and performers, and there is hardly a work he has not heard performed. He will happily travel to Vienna or New York for the sole purpose of attending a single concert.
Are von der Lippe was vice-chairman of the Oslo Philharmonic Friends’ Association during Mariss Jansons’ tenure. Through close contact and collaboration with Jansons over many years, Are deepened his knowledge of the repertoire and became well acquainted with many artists, several of whom became his personal friends.
Until 2021 he was chairman of the Friends of Fjord Classics. Are has delighted many with his musical communication, both as a pianist, writer and lecturer.