Biography
Aleksey Igudesman, a composer and violinist of Russian-German heritage, has built a reputation around his distinctive blend of humor, technical command, and personal style. Longstanding partnerships link him to pianist Hyung-ki Joo and actor John Malkovich, while his contributions appear in multiple film scores composed by Hans Zimmer.
Born in Leningrad in 1973 into a family already immersed in music, he received early encouragement to pursue the art. Around 1979 the family relocated to Germany, after which he enrolled at the Yehudi Menuhin School from 1984 to 1989 and then studied violin with Boris Kuschnir at the Vienna Conservatory until 1998. During those Vienna years he met pianist Hyung-ki Joo and joined violinist Daisy Jopling and cellist Tristan Schulze to form the string trio Triology. The group issued Triology Plays Ennio Morricone in 1998, followed by Who Killed the Viola Player? in 1999 and Around the World in 77 minutes in 2003.
Drawing inspiration from Victor Borge and Dudley Moore, Igudesman and Joo launched their duo Igudesman & Joo in 2004, merging classical repertoire with comedic elements and references to popular culture. Their stage programs have included A Little Nightmare Music, Big Nightmare Music, and Clash of the Soloists. At the same time, Igudesman began working with Hans Zimmer, supplying material for the soundtracks of Spanglish, Sherlock Holmes, and Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. In 2012 he co-created the mockumentary Noseland with violinist Julian Rachlin and actors John Malkovich and Roger Moore. His 2016 solo violin release Fasten Seat Belts presented his own compositions and arrangements, employing a range of extended techniques. That year he also joined Joo on the recording You Just Have to Laugh, and in 2019 the duo released the book Save the World.
Further joint work with Joo and Malkovich produced the 2021 stage show The Music Critic, featuring violinist So-Ock Kim, violist Max Baillie, and cellist Tanja Tetzlaff. A captured performance appeared on the EuroArts label in 2023, and Igudesman prepared an orchestral adaptation of the program. With co-founder Julia Rhee he helped develop the Music Traveler app, a platform for locating and reserving rehearsal spaces across major cities. Although Igudesman & Joo declared their retirement in June 2024, he continues to perform and create both independently and alongside Lucy Landymore, Hans Zimmer, and Yuja Wang.
Born in Leningrad in 1973 into a family already immersed in music, he received early encouragement to pursue the art. Around 1979 the family relocated to Germany, after which he enrolled at the Yehudi Menuhin School from 1984 to 1989 and then studied violin with Boris Kuschnir at the Vienna Conservatory until 1998. During those Vienna years he met pianist Hyung-ki Joo and joined violinist Daisy Jopling and cellist Tristan Schulze to form the string trio Triology. The group issued Triology Plays Ennio Morricone in 1998, followed by Who Killed the Viola Player? in 1999 and Around the World in 77 minutes in 2003.
Drawing inspiration from Victor Borge and Dudley Moore, Igudesman and Joo launched their duo Igudesman & Joo in 2004, merging classical repertoire with comedic elements and references to popular culture. Their stage programs have included A Little Nightmare Music, Big Nightmare Music, and Clash of the Soloists. At the same time, Igudesman began working with Hans Zimmer, supplying material for the soundtracks of Spanglish, Sherlock Holmes, and Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. In 2012 he co-created the mockumentary Noseland with violinist Julian Rachlin and actors John Malkovich and Roger Moore. His 2016 solo violin release Fasten Seat Belts presented his own compositions and arrangements, employing a range of extended techniques. That year he also joined Joo on the recording You Just Have to Laugh, and in 2019 the duo released the book Save the World.
Further joint work with Joo and Malkovich produced the 2021 stage show The Music Critic, featuring violinist So-Ock Kim, violist Max Baillie, and cellist Tanja Tetzlaff. A captured performance appeared on the EuroArts label in 2023, and Igudesman prepared an orchestral adaptation of the program. With co-founder Julia Rhee he helped develop the Music Traveler app, a platform for locating and reserving rehearsal spaces across major cities. Although Igudesman & Joo declared their retirement in June 2024, he continues to perform and create both independently and alongside Lucy Landymore, Hans Zimmer, and Yuja Wang.
Albums
Singles
Live
