Vladimir Ashkenazy

Vladimir Davidovich Ashkenazy (sometimes transliterated Ashkenazi) (Russian: ????????? ?????????) (born July 6, 1937) is a conductor and, more notably, a pianist. He was born in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, but has been an Icelandic citizen since 1972.

Related Topics:
Russian - July 6 - 1937 - Conductor - Pianist - Nizhny Novgorod - Russia - Iceland - 1972

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A graduate of the Moscow Conservatory, he won second prize in the prestigious International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in 1955 and shared first prize in the 1962 International Tchaikovsky Competition. He is celebrated for his intelligent and well thought out interpretations. He often recorded with the London Philharmonic Orchestra; two of these recordings were of the Emperor Concerto by Beethoven, and a number of Rachmaninov pieces (including his Second Concerto).

Related Topics:
Moscow Conservatory - International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition - 1955 - 1962 - International Tchaikovsky Competition - London Philharmonic Orchestra - Emperor Concerto - Beethoven - Rachmaninov - Second Concerto

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He has recorded the complete 24 Preludes and Fugues of Shostakovich, and Chopin's entire works for piano.

Related Topics:
24 Preludes and Fugues - Shostakovich - Chopin

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Midway through his pianistic career, Ashkenazy branched into conducting. His accounts of the Sibelius symphonies have been lauded in particular. In 1998, he became principal conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

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Vladimir Ashkenazy is currently President of the Rachmaninoff Society.

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