Kirill Gerstein’s curiosity and versatility has led to an intense engagement with a wide range of repertoire and styles. From Bach to Adès, his playing is distinguished by its clarity of expression, discerning intelligence and virtuosity. Gerstein’s energetic and imaginative musical personality has taken him rapidly to the top of his profession. 2015 saw the release of the world premiere recording of Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto in the composer`s own final version from 1879. The recording won an ECHO Klassik award and was nominated for a BBC Music Magazine Award. Based in Berlin, Kirill Gerstein appears world-wide in performances ranging from concerts with the Chicago and Cleveland Orchestras, the Royal Concertgebouw, Vienna and Berlin Philharmonics, to recitals in London, Paris and New York. He is the sixth recipient of the prestigious Gilmore Artist Award, presented every four years to an exceptional pianist who, regardless of age or nationality, possesses broad and profound musicianship and charisma, and who performs internationally at the highest level. The prize enabled Gerstein to commission new works by Oliver Knussen, Chick Corea, Alexander Goehr, Brad Mehldau and Timothy Andres.

photo: from album booklet