VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY          

Famed pianist and conductor, Vladimir Ashkenazy is a true disciple of the Russian piano school. Although banned in the Soviet Union for more than 25 years, over the course of his long artistic career he has played almost the school’s entire piano repertoire. He received five Grammy Awards, one of the most prestigious prizes in the sound recording industry.  

The young performing artist made his debut in London in 1963 and, despite the goodwill of the communist authorities and a promising career in the Soviet Union, remained in the UK. This was made possible through his acquaintance with Torunn Yohannsdottir, a citizen of Iceland, whom he later married. Ashkenazy himself explained that this step radically changed his life and was prompted by his unwillingness to live in a totalitarian state.

His reputation as an artist and the buzz around his decision to stay with his family in the West brought him more attention. His talent and hard work earned him the reputation of one of the best instrumentalist pianists.

With the London Symphony Orchestra and conductor Andre Previn, Ashkenazy has recorded all Rachmaninov piano concertos. His performances to this day cause critics to vie with each other for adjectives in the superlative degree. In 1972, Ashkenazy became a citizen of Iceland.

From the book LIFE MUSIC by Alexandra Kremer-Khomasuridze:

"When I first heard a symphony orchestra when I was seven - it was like an earthquake. Such a shock! I do not remember anything else in life that has made the same impression on me – except maybe for my first love."