Biography
Eugene Mursky, a pianist of international renown, first gained worldwide attention when he won the first prize at the prestigious World Piano Competition in London in 1994. This victory, coupled with the award for the best Chopin interpretation, opened doors to significant concert stages in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States. As a soloist, he performed with renowned orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra, The Philharmonia Orchestra, the Irish National Orchestra Dublin, the Orchestre National de Lille, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Stockholm, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with outstanding chamber music partners such as the Melos Quartet, the Vogler Quartet, Sharon Kam, Tatjana Mazurenko, Wenzel Fuchs, and Gustav Rivinius. These diverse experiences deepened his understanding of interaction and collaboration with other musicians, providing him with a broader artistic perspective.
His discography is as impressive as it is diverse. His recordings include Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1 op. 35 with Wolfgang Bauer (trumpet) and the Arcata Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, as well as interpretations of Schumann’s Fantasy, the Toccata, and Beethoven’s Sonatas Op. 27 No. 1 and No. 2 “Moonlight.” His CD “Russian Piano Music” featuring works by Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, and Prokofiev, released by Hänssler Classics, along with his recording of Beethoven’s Sonatas “Pathetique,” “Waldstein,” and “Appassionata” by Telos Music, are a testament to his artistic versatility.
Particularly noteworthy is his extensive 13-CD Frederic Chopin Edition, published by PROFIL/Edition Günter Hänssler. This collection includes all Ballades, Impromptus, Waltzes, Polonaises, Etudes, Scherzi, Fantasie, Barcarolle, Berceuse, Nocturnes, Songs (with baritone Konrad Jarnot), Preludes, Variations, Sonatas, and Mazurkas.
Born in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, Mursky’s musical journey began under the guidance of renowned piano teacher Tamara Popovitch at the Uspensky Special Music School. Simultaneously, he received private lessons for six years from Professor Lev Naumov in Moscow, which significantly influenced his artistic development. This was followed by awards such as the first prize at the National Piano Competition of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 1989 and the Grand Prix at the 5th Piano Competition of the Central Asian Republics in 1990.
In 1993, Mursky moved to Germany, where he continued his studies at the Trossingen University of Music under Reinhard Becker. His achievements were recognized with scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Baden-Württemberg Art Foundation. In the years 1997 and 1998, Mursky continued his studies at the Hanover University of Music under Professor Einar Steen-Nökleberg. His artistic development also took him to Salzburg, where he studied at the Mozarteum from 1998 to 2003 and received the sponsorship award. Under the guidance of Professor Hans Leygraf, he deepened his repertoire and won several international competitions, including the “Concours Grieg” in Oslo in 2000, the Bremen Piano Competition in 2001, and the “F. Denza” International Piano Competition in Naples in 2002.
Eugene Mursky is an artist of profound musical insight and technical brilliance. His interpretations blend poetic sensitivity with virtuosic power, leaving lasting impressions on audiences worldwide. His concerts and recordings are not just musical experiences but also reflect a deep understanding and respect for the works he interprets.