Birth

:

in St. Petersburg, Russia

 

Ilya Yakushev is a renowned classical pianist who has captivated audiences around the world with his virtuosic performances and deep musicality. Born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia in 1978, Yakushev showed an early aptitude for music and began studying piano at the age of five. He quickly demonstrated a prodigious talent, winning his first competition at the age of six and performing his first solo recital at the age of eight. Yakushev continued to excel in his musical studies, attending the Rimsky-Korsakov College of Music in St. Petersburg and later the Juilliard School in New York City. He studied with some of the most esteemed piano teachers of his generation, including Vladimir Feltsman, Oxana Yablonskaya, and Jerome Lowenthal. Throughout his career, Yakushev has been recognized for his exceptional talent and musicianship. He has won numerous awards and competitions, including the World Piano Competition in Cincinnati, the San Antonio International Piano Competition, and the Hilton Head International Piano Competition. He has also been a finalist in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition. Yakushev has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Moscow Philharmonic. He has also appeared at major music festivals around the world, including the Ravinia Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Verbier Festival. One of Yakushev's most notable performances was his debut at Carnegie Hall in 2005, where he received critical acclaim for his "dazzling technique and rhythmic fire." He has since returned to Carnegie Hall several times, performing both solo recitals and concertos with orchestras. In addition to his performances as a soloist, Yakushev is also an accomplished chamber musician. He has collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians, including violinist Joshua Bell, cellist Lynn Harrell, and clarinetist David Shifrin. Yakushev is known for his passionate and expressive playing, as well as his ability to bring out the unique character of each piece he performs. He has a particular affinity for the music of his native Russia, and has recorded several albums of Russian piano music, including works by Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich. Despite his many accomplishments, Yakushev remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform around the world, sharing his love of music with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. His passion for music and his commitment to excellence have made him one of the most respected and admired pianists of his generation.

More....