Ashkenazy 'A Legend'

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32010, 10 June 1969, Page 12

Ashkenazy ' A Legend '

“A legend in his own time” is not too extravagant a claim to make for Vladimir Ashkenazy, the Russian pianist, who will come to Christchurch as soloist with the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra on Saturday. In the 13 years since he entered the international music scene, Ashkenazy has) drawn praise from the most carping and analytical music critics.

■ Still a Soviet citizen, Ashkenazy prefers to live tn London because of the greater scope offered in his career, but makes it quite clear that he is not a defector from Russia. He regards as important his close associa-

tion in London with other musicians of his generation, such as the Israeli pianistconductor, Daniel Barenboim. The musical involvement and intellectual atmosphere there, he feels, are essential to him as an artist who still has much to learn. Born in Gorky in 1937, Ashkenazy trained with world-renowned teachers, first for 10 years at the Central Music School in Moscow and I later at the Moscow State Conservatory. In 1956 he won the Queen

Elizabeth Competition in Brussels, but it was when he became co-winner with John Ogden in 1962 of the coveted Tchaikovsky Prize that he became known internationally. Since then he has become one of the most sought-after concert performers. He makes annual tours of the United States, as well as tours to Europe. He has been soloist with most the major world orchestras and his solo concerts are sell-outs in London and New York.