Maxim Alexandrovich Vengerov, a renowned Soviet-born Israeli violinist, violist, and conductor, was born on August 20, 1974. Classic FM has hailed him as "one of the greatest violinists in the world".
He began his musical journey at the tender age of three, singing in his mother's choir. His formal violin lessons commenced at five with Galina Turchaninova. Despite initial difficulties, Vengerov's persistence and talent eventually won over his instructor, who praised him, saying, "A violinist like Maxim is born only once in a hundred years".
Vengerov's remarkable talent was soon recognized, as he won the 1984 International Karol Lipiński and Henryk Wieniawski Young Violin Player Competition at the age of ten. This marked the beginning of his illustrious career, which has seen him study with Zakhar Bron, win the International Carl Flesch Competition, and secure a recording contract with Teldec.
In 1990, Vengerov relocated to Israel with his family and continued his studies at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. He later founded the Musicians of Tomorrow school in northern Israel and has also made significant contributions as a conductor and educator, serving as the first chief conductor of the Menuhin Festival Gstaad Orchestra and holding professorships at institutions like the Royal College of Music in London.
Throughout his career, Vengerov has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy and multiple Echo Music Prizes. He plays on the 1727 "ex-Kreutzer" Stradivarius violin.
