Born in 1937 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Vladimir Ashkenazy established a career that spanned the roles of pianist, conductor, and composer. A graduate of the Central Music School and the Moscow Conservatory, he gained international recognition early in his career, winning the Queen Elisabeth Competition in 1956 and later securing multiple Grammy Awards for his extensive recorded repertoire.
Formative Years and Education
Ashkenazy received his initial musical training at the Central Music School under the guidance of Anaida Sumbatyan. At the Moscow Conservatory, he studied with Lev Oborin and Boris Zemliansky. His competitive success began with the fifth International Chopin Piano Competition in 1955, followed by a shared first prize at the 1962 International Tchaikovsky Competition alongside British pianist John Ogdon.
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His discography includes complete sonata cycles by Beethoven and Scriabin, as well as the works of Rachmaninoff and Chopin. As a chamber musician, he produced notable recordings of Beethoven's violin sonatas with Itzhak Perlman and cello sonatas with Lynn Harrell. He maintained a long-term professional relationship with Decca, which celebrated his 50th anniversary with the label in 2013.
Conducting Career
Transitioning to orchestral leadership, Ashkenazy served as principal conductor for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic. He held music director positions with the NHK Symphony Orchestra and served as chief conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. His repertoire as a conductor covers works by Sibelius, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich, among others.
Residency and Citizenship
Ashkenazy left the Soviet Union in 1963, settling initially in London. In 1968, he moved to Iceland, becoming a citizen in 1972 and co-founding the Reykjavík Arts Festival. By 1978, he relocated to Lucerne, Switzerland, eventually residing in Meggen. He holds citizenship in Russia, Switzerland, and Iceland.
Fast facts
- Born: 1937, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Citizenship: Russia, Switzerland, Iceland
- Education: Central Music School, Moscow Conservatory
- Queen Elisabeth Competition Laureate: 1956
- Music Director Position: 1996-2003
- Order of the Falcon: Knight Grand Cross (2018)
- Retirement announced: 17 January 2020
- Primary Occupations: Pianist, conductor, composer
Questions readers ask
Did Vladimir Ashkenazy remain in the Soviet Union?
No, he left the Soviet Union permanently in 1963 to reside in London before moving to Iceland and eventually Switzerland.
Is Vladimir Ashkenazy still performing?
No, he retired from public performance on 17 January 2020.
Achievements
- Order of Merit of Berlin
- Artis Bohemiae Amicis Medal — 2009
- laureate of the Queen Elisabeth Competition — 1956
- Sibelius Medal
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Falcon — 2018
- Instruments: piano
- Genres: classical music
