Valeri Grohovski (Piano)

Born: 1960 - Moscow, Russia

The Russian classical and jazz pianist, Valeri Grohovski, received his musical training and doctorate from the prestigious Gnessin Music schools. After being awarded first prize in a national piano competition in the former USSR he was permitted to compete abroad where he proceeded to win prizes in numerous competitions in both Europe and the USA.

A virtuoso classical pianist equally known for his jazz improvisational talent, Valeri Grohovski is in a class of his own. He has performed extensively around the world, delighting audiences with his unique combination of formidable classical repertoire and his virtuoso jazz improvisations. In addition to his busy concert and recording schedule he composes, arranges and performs music in a wide range of styles for theatre and cinema. Although he lived for a decade in the USA, he now divides his time between homes in Russia, France and Costa Rica.

In addition, to performing, composing and arrangin, Valeri Grohovski is professor and artist-in-residence at San Antonio University in Texas.

"I haven't come across Grohovski before (born Moscow in 1960 and currently professor and artist-in-residence at San Antonio University in Texas), but I was happy to make his aquaintance. This is the sort of Bach playing which makes you glad to be alive - rhythmically exuberant, jaunty tempos, no heavy-handed reverence - in music that frequently sends both hands scurrying after each other round the keyboard. Yet the wistful, late-night musing that Grohovski brings to the slow movement of the Italian Concerto and the Sarabande in the fifth partita, for example, is most affecting. Lovely disc." - Bel Air BAM Jeremy Nicholas from CLASSIC FM magazine, November 2002
"Valeri Grohovski is that rarest of musicians: he plays always with perfect taste." Tatiana Petrova, President Gnessin Music College
"One of the finest classical pianists in the world, Valeri Grohovski accomplishes what few others would even attempt when he crosses freely from classical into jazz - without an accent!" Christopher Wilkins, Conductor San Antonio Symphony
"Valeri is a consummate musician whose diversity is without peer. There simply is not another pianist in the world who is classically competitive and the envy of jazz pianists who have devoted their lives solely to jazz performance." James Biotos

Source: Valeri Grohovski Website; Naxos Website; Bel Air Music Website
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (February 2009)

Valeri Grohovski: Short Biography | Recordings of Instrumental Works

Links to other Sites

Pianist Valeri Grohovski (Official Website)

Valeri Gohovski Biography (Naxos)
Valeri Grohovski (Bel Air Music)