Born in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, in 1987, Igor Levit at age eight moved with his family to Germany where he completed his piano studies at Hanover Academy of Music, Theatre and Media in 2009. He graduated with the highest academic and performance scores in the history of the institute. Levit has appeared in major concert halls and music festivals around the world.
During his studies he won several international awards, including second prize at the International Maria Callas Grand Prix, Athens (2004), first prize at the International Piano Academy Competition in Hamamatsu (2004), the silver medal and three other awards at the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in Tel Aviv (2005) and the Luitpold Prize for young artists in Bad Kissingen (2009).
Last year the young pianist made a bold recording debut with the late sonatas by Beethoven. He's now followed this recording with the Partitas by J S Bach. Classical 90.5 will be playing this new release over the next several weeks. Enjoy his performance of Bach's Chaccone as arranged by Johannes Brahms.