Oleg Volkov

A dozen of Volkov’s recordings that cover musical styles from Haydn to Schnittke and released on Music Corporation of America (MCA), Melodia (USSR), Fontec (Japan), and Brioso Recordings (USA) labels have gained high critical acclaim:

"What is most noticeable about Volkov here (BR114) is his consummate artistry from first note to last. There is not a measure that passes beneath his fingers without thought or without feeling...Volkov, one might daringly observe, approaches artistic perfection in this performance. In sum, this is one of the finest Rachmaninov Seconds I’ve ever heard." Classical Net, CD Reviews

After the death of Vladimir Horowitz, Oleg Volkov was the first pianist ever to play the Horowitz’s Steinway piano in a public concert. The Washington Post wrote of that performance: “…the best work of the evening was the second encore, Schumann's "Trauemerei," played with a gentleness and warmth enhanced by the fine acoustics of the GMU Center for the Arts, a sensitivity and flexibility of phrasing that approached the expressiveness of a human voice. This number was worth the long drive from downtown Washington”. This performance launched a two-year nationwide tour of the Horowitz Steinway Grand where Volkov was a frequent guest artist

"Mr. Volkov is one of the most promising... pianists." NetRadio with Bill Parker - Spotlight CD of the Week, May 25–31, 1997

"...this is one of the best recordings (BR109) of this (Shostakovich) concerto on the market" Fanfare, May/June 1996

In 1994, Volkov made a first return to his native country and gave a charitable tour of 14 recitals and orchestra performances along with numerous master classes in his native Russia with all the proceeds having been donated to music institutions to further foster their development. During Mr. Volkov’s Moscow visit, Russian radio and television made a 45-minute documentary covering his recital at Moscow Tchaikovsky Hall, his concerto performance at the Great Hall of the Conservatory, a master class and a special interview with the artist. In 1998, Volkov was awarded a prestigious Distinguished Artist of Russia award.

Volkov was born in the south of Russia in 1958. He began his musical studies at the age of seven, studying in Russian music schools, where he graduated with honors. His studies continued at the Moscow Conservatory, entering in 1977, where he studied piano with Victor Merzhanov. After his graduation, with honors, in 1982, he continued his postgraduate studies with Merzhanov, earning a DMA in 1986 with an honors diploma. Upon completion of his studies, Mr. Volkov was appointed to the position of assistant professor to Maestro Merzhanov, and held this position until leaving for the United States in December of 1990. While teaching at the Moscow Conservatory, Volkov split his time between pedagogy and a busy concert schedule enjoying many performances throughout USSR and Europe until his departure for the United States. Numerous successes at the international competitions led to the invitation to join the music faculty at the University of Maryland as a visiting professor. Along with this came remarkable praise, respect, and admiration from American critics and audiences alike.