description Vladimir Ashkenazy Overview
Vladimir Ashkenazy is a Russian-born pianist and conductor who later became an Icelandic citizen. As a pianist, he recorded a broad repertory including works by Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Beethoven, and other major composers; he subsequently developed an extensive conducting career. His orchestral appointments included leadership roles with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
help Vladimir Ashkenazy FAQ
Why is Vladimir Ashkenazy described as an Icelandic conductor?
Ashkenazy was born in Gorky in the Soviet Union and later moved to Iceland with his wife. He became an Icelandic citizen in 1972 while continuing an international career as a pianist and conductor.
Which piano competitions established Vladimir Ashkenazy's reputation?
He won second prize at the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in 1955 and first prize at the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels in 1956. He later shared first prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in 1962.
Which major orchestras did Ashkenazy conduct?
His conducting posts included chief conductor of the Czech Philharmonic from 1998 to 2003 and music director of the NHK Symphony Orchestra from 2004 to 2007. He also served as principal conductor and artistic adviser of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra from 2009 to 2013.
Why is Ashkenazy associated with Rachmaninoff recordings?
His discography includes an 11-CD collection of Rachmaninoff's complete works for piano, released in 2014. He has also recorded major piano repertory by Chopin, Beethoven, and other composers for Decca.
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