The 2009 Russian Federation National Award in Literature and Arts is conferred to Denis Matsuev for his contribution to the development and promotion of Russian music
Denis Matsuev, pianist.
Denis Matsuev was born on July 11, 1975, in Irkutsk. His career as a musician began after his victory at the 11th International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 1998. In 1999, he graduated from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory with honours. Today, he gives brilliant performances in the world’s most prestigious concert halls.
Denis Matsuev appears as a soloist with world famous foreign orchestras and also works closely with the best Russian orchestras, performing with famous Russian and foreign conductors.
He is not only a popular musician, but an active public figure as well. Since 2005, he has been a member of the Presidential Council for Culture and Arts. Since 2008, he has been the President of the New Names International Charitable Foundation, which features an elaborate system for seeking out, selecting, and supporting talented young hopefuls in classical and folk music, fine arts, poetry, and classical jazz. Denis Matsuev is the Art Director of the Sergei Rachmaninoff Foundation.
Mr Matsuev has been an organiser in many major music festivals, including the Stars on Baikal International Music Festival. Festival events feature master classes and charitable auctions; following the festival, the New Names Foundation awards stipends and buys musical instruments for gifted children. Denis Matsuev is the art director of the Crescendo festival, whose goal is to introduce young Russian musicians to the public, demonstrate the continuity of generations and show the life force of the Russian classical school of music performance.
The 2009 Russian Federation National Award in Literature and Arts is conferred for the contribution to the development and promotion of Russian music.