Yuri Bashmet is a world-class virtuoso, sought-after classic, conductor, and orchestra leader. For many years he delighted the international community with his creativity, expanded the boundaries of conducting and musical activities.
The musician was born on January 24, 1953 in the city of Rostov-on-Don. After 5 years, the family moved to Lviv, where Bashmet lived until he came of age. The boy was introduced to music from childhood. He graduated from a special music school and moved to Moscow. Yuri entered the conservatory in the viola class. Then he stayed for an internship.
Musical activities
Bashmet's active creative activity as a musician began in the late 1970s. After the 2nd year, he performed in the Great Hall, which gave recognition to teachers and the first earnings. The musician had a wide repertoire, which allowed him to play in different genres, independently and with orchestras. He performed in Russia and abroad, conquered the most famous concert halls in the world. It was seen in Europe, the United States and Japan. The musician was invited to perform at international music festivals.
In the mid-1980s, a new chapter in Bashmet's musical activity began - conducting. He was asked to take this place and the musician liked it. From that moment until now, he has not given up this occupation. A year later, Yuri created an ensemble, which, of course, became successful. The musicians traveled around the world with concerts and then decided to stay in France. Bashmet returned to Russia and a few years later assembled a second squad.
The musician did not stop there. In 1992 he founded the Viola Competition. It was the first such competition in his home country. Bashmet knew how to organize it properly, as he was a member of the jury of a similar project abroad.
In the 2000s, the conductor actively continued his musical path. There were many concerts and solo albums. He often performed with the Night Snipers and their soloist.
Personal life of musician Yuri Bashmet
Yuri Bashmet leads a happy life. He says that he has fully realized himself not only in his career, but also in his personal life. The conductor's family is also associated with music. Wife Natalia is a violinist.
The future spouses got married while studying at the conservatory. Even in the 1st year at one of the parties, Yuri liked the girl. But he was so timid that he didn't make the right impression. Nevertheless, the young man was determined. He did not back down and a year later he was able to attract the attention of Natalia. Young people got married in the fifth year of study and have not parted since then.
The couple have two children - son Alexander and daughter Ksenia. Their parents thought about their future from early childhood. They understood how difficult it was to make music, they did not plan a specifically musical career. However, they decided that they would not mind if the children followed in their footsteps. As a result, the daughter became a talented pianist. But Alexander studied to be an economist. Despite this, the young man is connected with music. He taught himself to play the piano and flute.
Yuri Bashmet and his creative heritage
The artist has more than 40 discs that have been recorded with famous musical ensembles. They were released with the support of the BBC and many other companies. The disc with "Quartet No. 13" in 1998 was recognized as the best record of the year.
Bashmet has collaborated with many famous world musicians and orchestras around the world. Germany, Austria, USA, France - this is not a complete list of countries. The best orchestras in Paris, Vienna, even the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, collaborated with the musician.
Yuri has roles in films. From the early 1990s to 2010, the conductor starred in five films.
In 2003, he published his memoirs "Dream Station". The book is available in paper and electronic forms.
Interesting facts about the musician
He owns a viola by Paolo Testore. Also in his collection is a conductor's baton, which was carved by the Emperor of Japan.
The artist constantly wears a pendant, which was presented by the patriarch from Tbilisi.
At the entrance exams at the conservatory, the teachers said that he had no ear for music.
In his youth, the musician went in for sports - football, water polo, knife throwing and cycling. He later received a rank in fencing.
The musician says that he became a violist by accident. Mom enrolled the boy in a music school. I planned to pass it in the violin class, but there were no places. The teachers suggested going to the viola class, and so it happened.
He believes that a creative person always remains a bit of a bully.
Bashmet was the first in the world to give a recital on the viola.
The conductor prefers not to work with sticks, he just keeps them. Sometimes he uses a pencil during rehearsals.
The longest period that did not pick up the instrument was one and a half weeks.
Bashmet prefers to spend free evenings surrounded by colleagues. Often can visit a friend's performance or performance.
As a child, I imagined myself as a conductor. He stood on a chair and controlled an imaginary orchestra.
The musician admits that he is often dissatisfied with himself. However, she works a lot and believes that she always gives her best.
Professional achievements
The professional activity of Yuri Bashmet is noted not only by numerous fans, but also by colleagues in the shop. He has a significant number of international awards. It's hard to list them all, but:
- eight titles, including: "People's Artist" and "Honored Artist", "Honorary Academician of the Academies of Arts";
- about 20 medals and orders;
- more than 15 state awards. Moreover, in 2008 he received a Grammy Award.
In addition to musical activities, Yuri Bashmet is engaged in an active teaching and social life. He worked in music schools and the music academy. At the Moscow Conservatory he created the department of viola, which became the first.
The musician often speaks about political issues. He is a member of the Council for Culture, takes part in the activities of a charitable foundation.
