Mikhail Korzhev

Mikhail Korzhev, a pianist that “projects strength, atmosphere and the ability to tangle even the knottiest passages…” (International Record Review) is equally active as a solo recitalist, a performer with various chamber groups, a soloist with orchestras, and as a recording artist. His CD recordings of complete piano concertos by Ernst Krenek in collaboration with English Symphony Orchestra and Kenneth Woods were released by Toccata Classics in 2016 and 2017 to enthusiastic reviews in Gramophone, Diapason and other publications, made it to the “want list” of Fanfare magazine, became one of “10 Best Contemporary Records of the Year” by The Times (London), and in December 2017 made it to the list of “Top 10 Best Classical Records of the Year” by Forbes magazine. In September 2017 Korzhev became a recipient of a prestigious Anassilaos Prize, the annual award for the achievements in Arts and Sciences given by the local government of the province of Calabria (Italy).

 

Korzhev gave numerous solo recitals throughout United States and Europe, including Vienna Konzerthaus and other prestigious venues. He also collaborated with several distinguished conductors: Sergiu Commissiona, Carlo Ponti Jr. and others. His chamber music collaborations include performing with soloists of Russian National Orchestra, Mladi Chamber Orchestra, Lyris String Quartet, and members of St. Petersburg and Tokyo String Quartets among others. His collaborative work was highly appreciated by Eugenia Zukerman, Richard Stolzman, Oleh Krysa and other noted musicians. Kozhev’s performances received a high critical acclaim from American and European press.
 

Korzhev’s discography also includes two recordings of Krenek’s works for piano, three CD recordings featuring compositions for solo piano and chamber works by a prominent English composer Gerard Schurmann and a compilation of 40 classical standards for the online music library Megatrax.com. 

 

Korzhev combines his performing career with teaching. He served on the piano faculty of University of Southern California. Currently he works at  California State University Fullerton and Chapman University.  Korzhev  also taught and and performed at Festival Napa Valley, Beverly Hills International Music Festival and Bosendorfer Piano Academy in Vienna, Austria.

Korzhev holds a doctorate in piano performance from University of Southern California, where he studied with Daniel Pollack. His previous teachers include Alexander Satz and Vera Khoroshina at Moscow Conservatory College.