At age 13, awarded first prize of the Noptile Albe contest, Leningrad Conservatory. Studied at Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Moscow. Winner of numerous prestigious competitions including the Montreal International Competition for violinists and the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. Since 1975, numerous tours with renowned symphony orchestras worldwide. Worked with the most eminent conductors including Abbado, Giulini, Solti, Bernstein, Ozawa, Maazel and others and orchestras including New York, London, Berlin and Vienna. Debuted as conductor with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Has made numerous recordings. 1979, formed the Moscow Virtuosi. Has performed many charity concerts and received many honours for his humanitarian efforts. 1989, Artistic Director, Colmar International Festival, France. Ambassador of Arts, World Economic Forum. Member: Children in Crisis Foundation; Praesidium, Cultural Foundation of ex-USSR. Founder: European Saharov Foundation for Democracy and Freedom; New Names Foundation; International Charity Foundation Vladimir Spivakov.