Returning to THE 222, Ilya Yakushev is known for his passionate performances and impeccable technique. Originally from Russia, Yakushev, winner of the 2005 World Piano Competition, has performed at Carnegie Hall, Glinka Philharmonic Hall (St. Petersburg), Victoria Hall (Singapore) and around the world to great critical acclaim. His performances are characterized by their emotional depth and technical brilliance, as he brings to life the works of some of the greatest composers in history. Ilya Yakushev will be celebrating Rachmaninoff’s 150th birthday, the 150th anniversary of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, and the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

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Program

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 

Fantasia in D minor, K.397

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)

Prelude in G sharp minor, Op. 32, No.12

Prelude in G minor, Op. 23 No.5, Alla marcia

Prelude in C sharp minor, Op. 3, No.2

George Gershwin (1898-1937)

Rhapsody in Blue

Intermission

Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881)

Pictures at an Exhibition

1. Promenade

2. Gnomus (The Gnome)

3. Promenade

4. Il vecchio castello (The Old Castle)

5. Promenade

6. Tuileries (Dispute d’enfants après jeux) 

(Tuileries [Quarrel between Children after Playing])

7. Bydlo (Cattle]

8. Promenade

9. Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks 

10. Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle

11. Promenade

12. Limoges, le marché (La grande nouvelle) 

(The Marketplace at Limoges [The Great News])

13. Catacombae, sepulchrum romanum (Catacombs, Roman sepulcher)

14. Con mortuis in lingua mortua 

(With the Dead, in a Dead Language)

15. The Hut on Hen’s Legs

16. The Great Gate of Kiev

About the Artist

One of the Top 10 Classical Music Events of the Year: “The young Russian pianist made an astounding triple debut as part of the [San Francisco] Symphony's Prokofiev Festival, playing the First Concerto, the Fourth Concerto and the Seventh Sonata with vigor and virtuosity.” —San Francisco Chronicle

"In Familiar Music, a Pianist Shows What He Can Do: Mr. Yakushev can do just about anything he wants . . .  superb.” —New York Times

“Yakushev was little short of heroic.” —New York Times

Pianist Ilya Yakushev, with many awards and honors to his credit, continues to astound and mesmerize audiences at major venues on three continents.

The British label Nimbus Records released Yakushev's CD, “Prokofiev Sonatas Vol. 1” CD. The American Record Guide wrote, “Yakushev is one of the very best young pianists before the public today, and it doesn’t seem to matter what repertoire he plays – it is all of the highest caliber.”

Ilya has performed in prestigious venues worldwide, including Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall (New York), Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco), and Sejong Performing Arts Center (Seoul, Korea), Great Philharmonic Hall (St. Petersburg), and Victoria Hall (Singapore). His performances with orchestra include those with the San Francisco Symphony, BBC Concert Orchestra, Boston Pops, Rochester Philharmonic, Utah Symphony, and many others.

In 2023-24, dozens of engagements bring Ilya from New York City to the West Coast for recitals, concertos and—with members of the renowned St. Lawrence String Quartet—chamber music. Many of his concerts will celebrate the triple anniversary of Rachmaninoff's 150th birthday, the 150th anniversary of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," and the 100th anniversary of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." Ilya has put together a special slide show that accompanies his performances of "Pictures at an Exhibition," showing the artwork depicted in the music.

Winner of the 2005 World Piano Competition which took place in Cincinnati, OH, Mr. Yakushev received his first award at age 12 as a prizewinner of the Young Artists Concerto Competition in his native St. Petersburg. In 1997, he received the Mayor of St. Petersburg’s Young Talents award, and in both 1997 and 1998, he won First Prize at the Donostia Hiria International Piano Competition in San Sebastián, Spain. Mr. Yakushev was a recipient of the prestigious Gawon International Music Society’s Award in Seoul, Korea.

Ilya studied with legendary pianist Vladimir Feltsman at the Mannes College of Music in New York City.

He is a Yamaha artist.