Founder and Artistic Director

Mikhail Pletnev is one of the most respected and influential artists of our era. His prodigious talent as a pianist, conductor, and composer has earned widespread acclaim ever since the 1978 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition, where he won First Prize at the age of 21. An invitation to perform at a 1988 diplomatic summit in Washington led to Pletnev’s friendship with Mikhail Gorbachev and a lifelong commitment to dismantling barriers through the universal language of music. 

In 1990, Pletnev formed the Russian National Orchestra – the first independent orchestra in Russia’s history. Under his leadership, the RNO achieved recognition as one of the world’s great orchestras. Over thirty years later, Pletnev has renewed his commitment to artistic freedom with his founding of the Rachmaninoff International Orchestra, named after the celebrated pianist, conductor, and composer whose own career inspired audiences from all corners of the globe. 

Pletnev’s performances and recordings have shown him to be an outstanding interpreter of an extensive repertoire, both as pianist and conductor. His recordings have earned numerous prizes, including a Grammy Award, the Diapason d’Or, ECHO Klassik Award, Choc du Monde de la musique, and a Gramophone Award.

Pianist, conductor, composer and cultural leader — all are significant facets of Mikhail Pletnev's remarkable life. Yet with his characteristic humility, he insists that he is, simply, a musician.