YURI ALESHNIKOV (RUSSIA)

Performs on a Javier Mengual, José Miguel Moreno Series C model guitar Yuri Aleshnikov, a prominent professional guitarist, was born into a musical family in Belgorod on February 1, 1985. His musical journey began at the tender age of 5 under the tutelage of his father, a pivotal figure in the Belgorod classical guitar school. Yuri’s dedication led him to graduate from the Rostov State Academy of Music in 2008 under the guidance of Professor A.S. Danilov and in 2016, he completed an outstanding graduate assistant program at the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, studying under Professor N.A. Komolyatov. Awards & Honors: His outstanding career has seen him triumph at 16 international and national guitar competitions across Russia, Germany, Poland, Yugoslavia and Ukraine. Among his notable victories are the first prize at the international competition-festival ‘Guitar Renaissance’ (Gomel, Belarus) in 2018 and the first prize at the International Competition ‘Viva Guitar’ (Kursk, Russia). His achievements extend to the second prize at the Parkening International Guitar Competition (Malibu, CA, USA) in 2009 and the first prize at the International Competition ‘Guitar Virtuosos’ (St. Petersburg, Russia) in 2007. Yuri has been honored with scholarships from prestigious institutions such as the Russian Foundation for Performing Arts, the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, and the New Names Fund. He has performed across much of Eastern Europe and Russia – Yuri Aleshnikov lights up stages with solo performances that transcend borders, captivating audiences in cities across Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. His concerts – often immersive ‘meet the artist’ experiences – combine entertainment with education. Yuri shares captivating stories about the classical guitar, its rich history, and the composers who have shaped its evolution. His ensemble performances – whether with flute, vocalists, violin, or string quartets – showcase his versatility. Additionally, as a soloist, Yuri moves seamlessly between genres, performing with symphonies, folk music, and chamber orchestras.** A significant milestone in Yuri’s career is his role as co-founder, participant, and artistic director of the Russian Guitar Quartet since 2012. He has also lent his talents to the Moscow Orthodox Theatre Zhuvaya Voda since 2010, contributing to both adult and children’s productions. Press: Yuri’s outstanding career has graced such renowned stages as the Concert Hall of the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, the Union of Russian Composers, and the Small Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. Notable performances include appearances at the International Financial Forum in Sochi 2007, where he played for Presidents V. Putin, J. Chirac and G. Schroeder. His repertoire spans diverse eras and styles, from classical compositions by I. S. Bach and M. Giuliani to modern works such as N. Koshkin’s “Prince’s Toys” and M. Duplessi’s “Cavalcade.” Off stage, Yuri, together with his father, Professor E. A. Aleshnikov, co-wrote a teaching method for playing classical guitar. Since 1999, he has passed on his knowledge to students, many of whom have excelled in competitions and entered prestigious musical institutions. Yuri currently serves as Head of the Guitar Department at the Lomonosov Music School and leads the educational project, Segoviana Guitar Studio. As a respected figure in the musical community, Yuri is frequently invited to be a judge at regional and international guitar competitions in Russia and Belarus. His commitment to music education extends to teaching masterclasses for classical guitar teachers from various institutions. In recent times, Yuri has led projects such as Melomania.Moscow, organizing interactive live music events in the heart of Moscow, and co-founded the Young Winds Festival. Yuri Aleshnikov continues to enrich the world of classical guitar with his virtuosity, passion and dedication. Contact: VKontakte: http://vk.com/guitaristyuri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yuri.aleshnikov Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/belgitar