Mikhail Pletnev's genius as pianist, conductor and composer enchants and amazes audiences around the globe. He was Gold Medal and First Prize winner of the 1978 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition when he was 21, a prize that earned him early recognition worldwide. An invitation to perform at the 1988 superpower summit in Washington led to a friendship with Mikhail Gorbachev and the historic opportunity to make music in artistic freedom.

 

 

In 1990 Pletnev formed the first independent orchestra in Russia's history. Many of the country's finest musicians joined Pletnev in launching the Russian National Orchestra. Under his leadership, the RNO achieved in a few short years a towering stature among the world's orchestras. Pletnev describes the RNO as his greatest joy and continues to serve as its Artistic Director and Principal Conductor.

 

 

Pletnev's compositions include works for orchestra, piano, strings and voices. His transcriptions of Nutcracker Suite and Sleeping Beauty were selected for the 1998 anthology “Great Pianists of the 20th Century” (Philips Classics).

 

Today he is one of Russia's most respected and influential artists. Pianist, conductor, composer and cultural leader — all are significant facets of Mikhail Pletnev's life as an artist. Yet he considers himself, simply, a musician.

 

1. Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-flat Major, K. 282
2. Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major, Op. 110

- Intermission -

1. Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 10 in C Major, K. 330
2. Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111