Evgeny Starodubtsev 2009 Laureate
After introduction to music by way of the accordion at a young age, Russian pianist Evgeny Starodubtsev studied piano and composition at the Moscow State Conservatory’s Central Music School before entering the Conservatory and continuing piano studies with Natalia Troull. Starodubtsev was named Second Laureate of Canada’s prestigious Honens International Piano Competition in 2009. He has performed in Germany, Hungary, Poland, Russia and Spain as soloist and recitalist, and is also a composer. His compositions include chamber works for varied instruments, including woodwinds, strings, and harp. Aside from a passion for the music of Chopin and Szymanowski, Starodubtsev is a curious pianist who is open to creative projects and collaborations. In early January he collaborated in a performance of Simeon ten Holts’ iconic Canto Ostinato and an arrangement of Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells with three other pianists and dancers from Alberta Ballet. This fall he records his debut CD on the Honens label.