Grigory Sokolov — pianist with roots in the USSR
Grigory Sokolov (born 18 April 1950, Leningrad) is a Russian pianist. He studied at the Leningrad Conservatory special school with Leah Zelikhman and at the Conservatory with Moisey Khalfin. He has no interest in studio recordings; since signing an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon in 2014 he has released live recordings. He was granted Spanish citizenship in 2022.
Tracing the roots — Leningrad
Sokolov was born in Leningrad in 1950 and trained there. In 1966, aged 16, he won the gold medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, the youngest winner to date. He did not emigrate during the Soviet period; he now lives in Italy and tours Europe, excluding the UK.
Leningrad. At the time, this region was one of the fifteen republics of the Soviet Union.
A career defined by ambition
"I play only for the music. Never for the public. Never for myself."