Classic FM hires Violinist Maxim Vengerov as Artist in Residence

One of the world’s greatest living violinists, Maxim Vengerov has been appointed by Classic FM as its first solo Artist in Residence.

The year-long partnership with the world-renowned musician and conductor comes ahead of his special anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall this summer to celebrate 40 years on stage.

The station will broadcast exclusive recordings from Vengerov, including concertos by Brahms and Tchaikovsky; an in-depth interview ahead of his special concert and a Maxim Vengerov ‘takeover’ weekend celebrating the man and the music.

There will also be twelve new videos released across the year on ClassicFM.com and Classic FM’s social platforms, with Vengerov sharing his advice on performance and study.

Classic FM’s Full Works Concert (weekdays, 8pm to 10pm) will feature more exclusive recordings of the violinist’s live performances, including a recital from New York’s Carnegie Hall.

Born in Novosibirsk in Russia, Maxim Vengerov began studying the violin when he was just five years old. Forty years later, he has become one of the world’s most popular and successful string players.

He’s won many awards, including two Gramophone Awards, a Grammy and a Classic BRIT Award. In 1997, he became the first ever classical musician to be appointed International Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.

The anniversary event at the Royal Albert Hall is on Friday 12 June with music on the night including Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No.1 – and the concert will feature students from the Royal College of Music, where Vengerov teaches.

Speaking about his partnership with Classic FM, Maxim Vengerov said: “I am so thrilled to be Classic FM’s first solo Artist in Residence. This year is very special for me and working so closely with Classic FM, sharing all my exciting projects with their audiences, means a lot to me.”