Mikhail Pletnev

Mikhail Pletnev, a prominent figure in Russian music, excels as both a pianist and conductor, as well as being a prolific composer and amateur violinist. Born in 1957 in Archangelsk, he began his musical journey under the guidance of his musically inclined family and went on to win numerous prestigious awards, including the Tchaikovsky Competition in 1978.

In 1990, Pletnev founded the Russian National Orchestra with the support of Mikhail Gorbachev, becoming its conductor and artistic director. While renowned for his interpretations of Russian composers like Rachmaninov, he also showcases his talents through a diverse repertoire ranging from Scarlatti to Mozart. With a recording catalog exceeding 100 items, Pletnev's contributions to the music world remain significant and enduring.