Maksim Štšura is a highly acclaimed classical pianist known for his virtuosic performances and deep musicality. Born on May 22, 1988, in Tallinn, Estonia, Štšura showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He quickly demonstrated a natural talent for the instrument and began studying with renowned teachers in Estonia and abroad. Štšura's early musical education was marked by a series of impressive achievements. In 2002, he won first prize at the Estonian National Piano Competition, and in 2004, he was awarded the Grand Prix at the International Piano Competition in Tallinn. These early successes paved the way for Štšura's future career as a concert pianist. In 2006, Štšura moved to the United States to study at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in piano performance. During his time in Cleveland, Štšura had the opportunity to work with some of the most renowned pianists and teachers in the world, including Sergei Babayan, Paul Schenly, and Daniel Shapiro. Štšura's talent and hard work paid off in 2011, when he won first prize at the New Orleans International Piano Competition. This prestigious award brought Štšura international recognition and opened the doors to a busy concert schedule. Since then, Štšura has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Moscow Conservatory. One of Štšura's most notable performances was his debut with the Cleveland Orchestra in 2014. He performed Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 under the baton of conductor Jahja Ling, receiving critical acclaim for his "dazzling technique" and "sensitive musicality." This performance cemented Štšura's reputation as one of the most exciting young pianists of his generation. In addition to his solo performances, Štšura is also an avid chamber musician. He has collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians, including violinist Vadim Gluzman, cellist Johannes Moser, and the Pacifica Quartet. Together, they have performed at major festivals and concert series around the world, including the Ravinia Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Štšura's repertoire is wide-ranging and includes works by some of the greatest composers in the classical canon, including Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff, whose works he has recorded on the Steinway & Sons label. In addition to his performing career, Štšura is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he is currently an assistant professor of piano. He is passionate about passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of musicians and helping them to develop their own unique artistic voices. Throughout his career, Štšura has received numerous awards and accolades for his performances and recordings. In addition to his win at the New Orleans International Piano Competition, he has also been a finalist in the Cleveland International Piano Competition and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

More....