Yury Gezentsvey

Biography

Born in Kiev, USSR, in 1952, Yury Gezentsvey graduated in 1974 from the Gniessin Institute of Music in Moscow with the Diploma as Soloist, Pedagogue, Orchestra Soloist and Chamber Music Performer.

In 1979 Yury Gezentsvey emigrated from the USSR to the USA.

1979

• Civic Orchestra of Chicago: Concertmaster
• The Chicago Ensemble chamber group.

1980

• Philharmonic Orchestra of Caracas, Venezuela: Concertmaster
• Chamber Ensemble with American pianist Harriet Serr, the most acclaimed resident pianist in Venezuela.
• Carnegie Recital Hall in New York: "...he invariably respected the score's poetic content... he rarely failed to produce a sweet, cultured tonal quality." (New York Times Sept 1981).
• Venezuela: "He is a really special violinist. His sound is different: the sweet tone cuts the air, turns around your soul, and those who want to cry may do it...". El Nacional, Venezuela,(April 4, 1983)

1983 and 1984

• National Conservatory of Music "Juan Jose Landaeta" in Caracas: chairman of the panel of judges at the final examinations in Violin.
• Emil Friedman Conservatory: teacher.

1985 —

• New Zealand Symphony Orchestra: Principal First Violin.
• He has also led the NZSO on numerous occasions.

1986 to 1992

• Gezentsvey Quartet

2002

• Massey Piano Quartet

2003

• New Zealand Piano Quartet
• 10-year Celebration of Sister-City relationship with Wellington in Sakai, Japan: Solo violinist.

International Festival of the Arts, Wellington

Yury has particpated in the biennial arts festival many times.

• 1986 leader of the Gezentsvey Quartet
• 1988 leader of the Gezentsvey Quartet
• 1990 leader of the Gezentsvey Quartet
• 1992 leader of the Gezentsvey Quartet
• 2002 soloist, Massey Piano Quartet
• 2004 New Zealand Piano Quartet

Recordings

Yury Gezentsvey has done numerous recordings:

• Radio New Zealand
• Concert FM
• National Radio
• Television New Zealand: TVNZ Productions.

Romantic Strings, 1995, a CD released by BMG, was nominated for Best Album of the Year in 1995.

Teaching

Together with his orchestral and performing career Yury Gezentsvey teaches advanced violinists at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.

Favorite Music

• Gustav Mahler: Adagietto from Symphony No. 5
• Ludwig Van Beethoven: "Spring" Sonata for Violin and Piano
• Johann Sebastian Bach: Sonata No. 2 in A minor for Violin Solo
• "Misty" by Errol Garner
• Bossa Nova Music by Antonio Carlos Jobim

Teachers and Influences

• Peter Bondarenko
• Abram Shtern
• Harriet Serr

Contact