“Anybody who knows the playing of this most sensitive and expressive of pianists will be aware of the subtle shading, clarity and thrust that his mind and fingers combine to produce.” These words of the “Daily Telegraph” reflect the special features of artistic image of the outstanding Russian pianist Vladimir Ovchinnikov.
Vladimir Ovchinnikov continues the traditions of the world known G.Neighaus Piano School. The pianist is a graduate of the famous Central Special Music School (the class of A.Artobolevskaya) and the Moscow Conservatoire (class of Prof. A.Nasedkin).
Vladimir Ovchinnikov is the laureate of the Concours International de Montreal (Canada, 1980, 2nd Prize), International Chamber Ensembles Competition in Vercelli (Italy, 1984, 1st Prize). His victories at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow (Russia, 1982) and the Harvey’s Leeds International Piano Competition (Great Britain, 1987) were of extreme value. Following his tremendous success he gave a triumphant debut performance in London in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen.
The musician appears regularly with the world major symphony orchestras, among them are the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC Symphony (Great Britain), the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Symphony Orchestras of Chicago, Montreal, Zurich, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Leipzig Gewandhausorchester, Polish National Radio Orchestra, the Hague Residentie, Radio France Orchestra, St.Petersburg Philharmony Orchestra, The Big Symphony Orchestra under V.Fedoseev and the State Academic Symphony Orchestra under E.Svetlanov.
Performed with such conductors as-. V.Ashkenazy, R.Barshai, M.Bamert, J.Brett, A.Dmitriev, V.Fedoseev, I.Golovchin, M.Jansons, N.Jarvi, Y.Kraizberg, A.Lazarev, D.Liss, R.Martunov, L.Pesek, V.Polyansky, G.Rozhdestvensky, G.Rinkyavichus, E.Svetlanov, Sir G.Solti, Y.Simonov, S.Skrowaczewski and W.Weller.
V.Ovchinnikov possesses a wide repertory and appears in all the major cities throughout Europe and the USA. As internationally renowned pianist V.Ovchinnikov had the honour to perform at the most prestigious Concert Halls such as- Great Hall of Moscow State Conservatory,Great Hall of S. Petersburg Philharmony,Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Centre in New York,Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall in London,Gercules Hall and Gewandhaus in Germany,Musikferein in Vienna,Conservatorio Milano Verdi,Champs-Elysees Theatre and Playel Hall in Paris,Suntory Hall in Tokyo and has received the highest praises of the audience,music critics and press. His festival appearances include: Carnegie Hall and Hollywood Bowl (USA), Edinburgh and Cheltenham (UK), Schlezwig Golstein (Germany), Sintra (Portugal), Stresa (Italy), Singapore Festival, BBC Proms in London, V.Cliburn in Concert Festival (USA).
The EMI released his CDs with “Transcendental Etudes” by Liszt, “Etudes – Tableaux” by S.Rachmaninoff, all 9 Sonatas and pieces from ballet “Cinderella” by S.Prokofiev.
Recorded the First Piano Concerto by D.Shostakovich with the “Philharmonia” Orchestra conducted by M.Shostakovich and “Pictures at an Exhibition” for Collins Classics.
Recorded Sonatas for violin and piano by E.Grieg (together with the violinist V.Vinnitsky) – for the “Russian Seasons” firm.
Also recorded Reger Concerto for piano with the State Academic Symphony Orchestra under V.Polyansky - for the "Chandos".
For several years was the Guest Professor of Piano at the Northern Royal Music College in England. At present – is the Resident Professor of the Moscow Conservatory. Jury member of many International Competitions. Merited Artist of Russia.
In 2001 recorded a CD including the pieces from the cycle “Annees de Pelerinage” : ITALIE, VENEZIA e NAPOLI.
V.Ovchinnikov proves to be one of the best performers of this great composer.“Glasgow Herald” wrote of his interpretation of Liszt: “This was playing of which the composer himself would have been proud.” And really, this “wonderful pianist, brought up by the Russian Piano School and aimed at the highest points of virtuosity.” (Corriera Della Sera) possesses the gift of “simplicity” - the distinguished feature of the top musicians’ mastery.