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The Russian pianist, Vladimir Yurigin-Klevke, began to study the piano at the age of four and was then admitted to the Moscow Conservatory, from which he graduated in 1972, completing his post-graduate course there in 1976. At the Moscow Conservatory, his teachers were the famed Heinrich Neuhaus, and Yakov Zak, a renowned pianist and pupil of Heinrich Neuhaus.
Following his years at the Moscow Conservatory, Vladimir Yurigin-Klevke was in demand as both professional musician and teacher. He has been a member of the faculties of the Kamchatka High School of Music, the Moscow High School of Music, and the Moscow State Pedagogical Institute. Many of his students have continued their education at the best conservatories in Russia and abroad, including the Royal Academy of Music in London, and have themselves been active in piano competitions.
Vladimir Yurigin-Klevke has been closely associated with Russian piano music of the 20th Century since he first came to public attention in 1969. Then just 20 years old, he won first prize at the National Piano Competition of Contemporary Soviet Music. His winning performance featured the music of Dmitri Shostakovich, Rodion Shchedrin, Gubaidulina and Arvo Pärt. In the 25 years between that concert and 1994 recording on the CD “20th Century Russian Piano Music” (Russian Disc/ Delos), Vladimir's insights into this repertoire continued to ripen as he performed the music of many contemporary Russian and European composers. He maintained an extensive concert schedule, appearing regularly as a soloist, with chamber ensembles, and with leading orchestras in Moscow and throughout Russia. He has performed with such renowned soloists as violinists Nana Yashvili, Valentin Zhuk, Kurt Nikkanen and Piet Koornhof.
Also noteworthy is Vladimir Yurigin-Klevke's work with singers, among them leading soloists of the Bolshoi Theatre‚ such as soprano Bella Rudenko, bass Alexander Vedernikov, and bass Arthur Eisen. He collaborated with the late, great Armenian soprano Arax Davtian in a recording of Russian romances, originally on Russian Disc and now available on Delos. A highlight in his work with singers was his appearance with world-renowned tenor Nicolai Gedda in 1994 in St. Petersburg.
Vladimir Yurigin-Klevke's extensive touring schedule has extended to concerts and recitals internationally, including Russia, Bulgaria, France, Germany, USA, Colombia, Costa Rica and Spain. He has also been a regular participant in international chamber music festivals. Since 1994, he has collaborated with the well-known international charity program "New Names," which attracts the most talented children of Russia. |
