Evgeny Kissin

**Evgeny Kissin: Pianist Biography**

Evgeny Kissin, born October 10, 1971, in Moscow, Russia, is a prodigious pianist known for his extraordinary technical prowess, emotional depth, and mature interpretations. Kissin began playing piano by ear at the tender age of two, demonstrating an innate musicality. By six, he was enrolled at Moscow’s Gnessin School of Music, studying under Anna Pavlovna Kantor, who became his lifelong mentor. Kissin's career skyrocketed at the age of 12 when he performed and recorded Chopin’s Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 with the Moscow State Philharmonic. This remarkable achievement established him as a child prodigy, attracting global attention. His Western debut in 1987, performing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Berlin Philharmonic under Herbert von Karajan, further cemented his international reputation. Renowned for his interpretations of Romantic repertoire, particularly works by Chopin, Liszt, Schumann, and Rachmaninoff, Kissin’s performances are characterized by their technical brilliance, clarity, and expressive intensity. His extensive discography includes critically acclaimed recordings that have garnered multiple awards, including several Grammy Awards and Edison Classical Music Awards. Kissin has performed with the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, such as the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Vienna Philharmonic, under maestros like Claudio Abbado, Carlo Maria Giulini, and Valery Gergiev. His recital tours are highly anticipated events, known for their electrifying energy and deep musical insight.

Beyond his performance career, Kissin is also a dedicated advocate for Jewish culture and music. He has explored this aspect of his heritage through performances and recordings of Jewish classical and traditional music. In recognition of his contributions to music, Kissin has received numerous honors, including honorary doctorates from the Manhattan School of Music and the University of Hong Kong, and in 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Ernst von Siemens Music Prize. Evgeny Kissin continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication to his art. His profound interpretations and technical mastery place him among the leading pianists of his generation, making him a towering figure in the classical music world.