Vladimir Ashkenazy

Early Life

Vladimir Davidovich Ashkenazy was born on July 6, 1937, in Gorky, Soviet Union (now Nizhny Novgorod, Russia). He was raised in a musically inclined family, with his father being a pianist and composer and his mother an actress. Ashkenazy began playing the piano at the tender age of six and was accepted into the Central Music School at eight, where he studied under Anaida Sumbatyan. He later attended the prestigious Moscow Conservatory, honing his skills under the tutelage of Lev Oborin and Boris Zemliansky. His early achievements included winning second prize at the V International Chopin Piano Competition in 1955 and first prize at the Queen Elisabeth Music Competition in 1956.

Career

Ashkenazy's career as a pianist and conductor has been marked by a vast repertoire and numerous collaborations with renowned orchestras and soloists. He is celebrated for his recordings of classical and romantic works, including complete sonatas by Beethoven and Chopin, as well as concertos by Rachmaninoff and Brahms. His unique style, characterized by a preference for casual attire during performances, has made him a distinctive figure in the classical music world. Over the years, he has received seven Grammy Awards and has been recognized with various honors, including the Order of Merit of Berlin and the Sibelius Medal.

Personal Life

In 1961, Ashkenazy married Þórunn Jóhannsdóttir, an Icelandic pianist, who had to renounce her citizenship to marry him. The couple faced bureaucratic challenges in the Soviet Union, leading to their eventual decision to leave permanently in 1963. They settled in London before moving to Iceland in 1968, where Ashkenazy became a citizen in 1972. He has played a significant role in Icelandic cultural life, including founding the Reykjavík Arts Festival. Ashkenazy's legacy is not only defined by his musical achievements but also by his contributions to the arts in Iceland and his role as a mentor to younger musicians.