Maxim Vengerov (violin)

Maxim Vengerov (violin)

Universally hailed as one of the world’s finest musicians, and often referred to as the greatest living string player in the world today, Grammy award winner Maxim Vengerov also enjoys international acclaim as a conductor and is one of the most in-demand soloists. Born in 1974, he began his career as a solo violinist at the age of 5, won the Wieniawski and Carl Flesch international competitions at ages 10 and 15 respectively, studied with Galina Tourchaninova and Zakhar Bron, made his first recording at the age of 10, and went on to record extensively for high-profile labels including Melodia, Teldec and EMI, earning among others, Grammy and Gramophone artist of the year awards.

In 2007 followed in the footsteps of his mentors, the late Mstislav Rostropovich and Daniel Barenboim and turned his attention to conducting. In the last few seasons Maxim Vengerov has performed as soloist and/or conductor with all major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, Chicago, Montreal and Toronto Symphony Orchestras and toured extensively around the world in recital.

As one of Maxim Vengerov’s greatest passions is the teaching and encouraging of young talent, he has held various teaching positions around the world, like the Polonsky Visiting Professor of Violin at the Royal College of Music in London. He has served on numerous juries including the Donatella Flick conducting competition and the Menuhin Violin Competition, and in May 2013 conducted the finals during the Montreal International Violin Competition. In 1997 he became the first classical musician to be appointed International Goodwill Ambassador by UNICEF.

Maxim Vengerov plays the ex-Kreutzer Stradivari (1727). More information: www.maximvengerov.com