Maxim Vengerov

The Soviet-born violinist Maxim Vengerov has been one of the most successful modern exponents of the great Russian school, marrying flawless technique acquired early in life to broad musical curiosity. He has been increasingly often active as a conductor. Vengerov was born August 20, 1974, in Novosibirsk, in Siberia, where his father was an oboist in the local symphony orchestra. His mother ran an orphanage and conducted its choir. Vengerov took up the violin at four and, of his own volition, would practice for hours after dinner. The child was enrolled in lessons with a str...