Dmitri Bashkirov became known at the music world in 1955, when he won the Marguerite Long Grand Prix competition, in Paris. He was born in November in 1931 at Tiflida (Georgia).

He studied there with Anastasia Wirsaladze and in Moscow with the renowned soviet pianist and professor Alexander Goldenweiser, a contemporary of Rachmaninov, Scriabin and, at young age, a friend of Tolstoy.

 

After his success in Paris, Dmitri Bashkirov was considered as one of the most important Russian pianists. He appeared at the most important music centers and festivals of the world, with big orchestras, under the direction of famous conductors, like Barbirolli, Mazur, Sawallisch, Szell, Markevich, Svetlanov, Mehta, Zecchi, Barenboim and others.

In 1975, he started teaching at Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow. With the violist Berzohdny and the cellist Khomister created a trio, that between 1965 and 1972 was considered one of the most important chamber music ensembles in former Soviet Union.

His successful career ended in 1980, when the authorities of the former Soviet Union forbid his performances to the West. He managed to abandon his country eight years later and since then he performs with great success in Europe and the United States.

Alongside his piano career, Dmitri Bashkirov teaches at the Conservatory of Moscow, he is a Honored Professor at Escuela Superior de Musica Reina Sofia of Madrid and professor at the International Piano Foundation, locatied in Como lake. Many of the most famous pianists of the new generation, awarded in great international competitions, were his students. He has participated as a jury member in several international competitions.

He also teaches in many senior seminars in Paris, Vienna, Salzburg, Helsinki, U.S.A, Athens etc.

 

He has been awarded with the title Artist of the people in Russia, the Robert Schumann medal of Tsvikaou and the medal of honor of the Independent University of Madrid. He records with ERATO, Melodia, EMI, Russian CD and Harmonia Mundi companies.

He will be the President of the International Jury of the 39th International Grand Prix Maria Callas- Piano (2015). Also, he has been the President of the International Jury of the 34th International Grand Prix Maria Callas- Piano (2008), and a member of the same Jury of the 26th International Grand Prix Maria Callas- Piano (2000).