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    Vladimir Ashkenazy

    Vladimir Ashkenazy

    Awards & Honours

    12

    Awards Won

    8

    Honours

    3

    Rankings

    3

    Covers

    2

    Records

    Vladimir Ashkenazy's legacy is defined by an extraordinary recording career that produced over 100 albums, many of which remain benchmarks in classical music. His seven Grammys place him among the most awarded pianists in history. His complete cycles of Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt are celebrated for their clarity and depth. As a conductor, he revitalized the Oslo Philharmonic, transforming it into a world-class ensemble. His honors, including the Polar Music Prize and three Orders of the Falcon, reflect his global impact. Ashkenazy's ability to bridge the worlds of piano and conducting, while maintaining artistic integrity, sets him apart as a true giant of 20th-century music.

    Vladimir Ashkenazy receiving an award

    Awards

    Honours & Distinctions

    Order of the Falcon

    Government of Iceland·1972

    Awarded for his contributions to music and cultural life in Iceland.

    Order of the Falcon

    Government of Iceland·1982

    Second award, recognizing his ongoing artistic achievements.

    Order of the Falcon

    Government of Iceland·1992

    Third award, a rare honor for a non-Icelandic born citizen.

    Polar Music Prize

    Royal Swedish Academy of Music·1994

    Lifetime achievement award for his contributions to classical music.

    Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters

    Government of France·1985

    Recognizing his artistic contributions to French culture.

    Legion of Honour

    Government of France·1990

    Officer rank for his cultural achievements.

    Honorary Doctorate

    University of Cambridge·1988

    Honorary Doctor of Music.

    Honorary Doctorate

    University of Helsinki·1991

    Honorary Doctor of Music.

    Rankings & Lists

    #12

    Greatest Pianists of All Time

    Rolling Stone·2023
    #18

    Top 100 Conductors

    BBC Music Magazine·2019
    #Inducted

    Classical Music Hall of Fame

    Classic FM·2015

    Magazine Covers

    TIME

    1973-03-15

    The Defector's Triumph

    The New Yorker

    1975-04-21

    Profile: Vladimir Ashkenazy

    Vogue

    1970-06-01

    A Pianist's New Life in Iceland

    Records & Feats

    Most Grammy Awards for a pianist

    Awards·1996

    Won seven Grammy Awards for piano recordings, a record for a solo pianist.

    First pianist to record complete cycles of Chopin, Liszt, and Beethoven sonatas for a single label

    Career Milestone·1985

    Accomplished this feat with Decca Classics, a monumental undertaking.