Grigory Sokolov was born in Leningrad, Russia, on April 18, 1950. At five he was playing the piano and two years later began studies with Liya Zelikhman. At 15, as a student at the Leningrad Conservatory under Moisey Khalfin, he captured first prize in the prestigious Russian National Competition. More impressive, he won the Tchaikovsky International Competition in 1966, at 16, still the youngest pianist ever given that most coveted of competition medals.
In the wake of his victory, Sokolov became an instant celebrity in his homeland, appearing as soloist with the major orchestras and as recitalist in the most important concert halls. But he was not allowed to concertize in the West by Soviet authorities until the late ’80s.
In the meantime he taught piano at the Leningrad Conservatory from 1975 as an addition to his concert and recording activity.
In 1990 his Paris debut was a sensation, and he became an overnight celebrity in the United States as well. Sokolov continued to impress his admirers: his November 2006 concerts in Paris and Dusseldorf, playing the same program of Bach, Beethoven, and Scriabin works in each city, drew rave reviews.
Here is Mr. Sokolov in Schumann’s Sonata #3:
