BIOGRAPHY
Russian-American pianist Pavel Petrov, hailed in the Evening Moscow for his “masterful performances, depth of tone, exquisite taste and artistic originality," is an extraordinarily gifted musician, organist, chamber performer, pedagogue, and collaborator. Born in the small city of Pyatigorsk, in the Caucasus Mountains of Southern Russia, he made his solo debut at the Bolshoi Hall of the Moscow State Conservatory at the age of 14. Since then, he has received critical acclaim for his performances throughout Russia, Europe, Asia, and North America. Memorable recitals include performances in front of Pope John Paul II, the first President of Russia, Boris Yeltsin, and other dignitaries in Great Britain, France, Greece, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Macedonia.
“Masterful performance abilities combined with emotional colorfulness, depth of tone, exquisite taste, and artistic originality. One of the most brilliant and distinctive musicians of his generation.”
— Tatiana A. Gaydamovich, People's Artist of Russia
Mr. Petrov has participated in various music festivals and international piano competitions including the Kanonji International Music Festival, the Virtuosos of the 21st Century, the 5th International Laureates Music Festival held in both Los Angeles, California and Taos, New Mexico, the World Piano Competition, the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, the 24th Senigallia International Piano Competition, the International Piano Competition in Puigcerdà, Spain, the California International Young Artists Competition, the Loeb/Louviere International Competition, and the All-Russia Glinka and Safonov Piano Competitions. As a winner of the award from “The New Names of Russia” International Foundation, Mr. Petrov’s name is listed in the Golden Book of Charity. Some of Mr. Petrov’s orchestral appearances include performances with the Symphonic Orchestra of the Moscow Philharmonic Society, the State Philharmonic Orchestra of Kislovodsk, the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra, and the Prague Symphony Orchestra.
“A very gifted and talented pianist. His performances have great command, flair, temperament and sensibility.”
— Daniel Pollack, USC Thornton School of Music
Mr. Petrov’s artistry and musical career are a direct result of immersion in the rich traditions of the great Russian pianists of the 20th Century, and his musical heritage stretches back to the legendary Henry and Stanislav Neuhaus. Mr. Petrov graduated from the Moscow Central Music School for gifted children and subsequently earned a Master of Music degree in piano performance, pedagogy, chamber music, and accompaniment from the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory where Mr. Petrov was a student of the famous pedagogue and pianist Valery Kastelsky. Mr. Petrov furthered his education by earning the Artist Diploma and Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. Mr. Petrov’s additional mentors include Kevin Fitz-Gerald and Sergey Dorensky. Mr. Petrov performed in master classes with Klaus Hellwig, Tamas Ungar, Jose Feghali, Valery Afanassiev, and Valery Kastelsky.
“Profound, subtle musician…distinguished by a great technique and emotional intensity…powerful interpretations and deeply touching performances.”
— Klaus Hellwig, Berlin University of the Arts
In addition to being a noted performer, Mr. Petrov is a dedicated teacher of piano, organ, music theory, and composition. Mr. Petrov maintains membership in the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), the American Guild of Organists, Mu Phi International Music Fraternity, and the Scriabin International Music Foundation. Many of his students have won prizes in various music competitions and auditions, including the Young Musicians Foundation Competition, the California International Young Artists Piano Competition, the Liszt International Piano Competition, the Steinway Society of Riverside Scholarship Competition, and the MTAC Concerto Competition. Mr. Petrov currently maintains a thriving private studio of dedicated young pupils and serves as organist at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Westlake Village, CA.