Anton Batagov

Russian pianist Anton Batagov has forged a distinctive profile through his dynamic concert presence and his inventive output as a post-minimalist composer. After completing studies at both the Gnessin School of Music and the Moscow Conservatory, he appeared at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in 1986 before delivering interpretations of the standard repertoire alongside avant-garde works with matching intensity. From 1989 to 1996 he served as artistic director of the Alternativa Festival, curating numerous presentations of contemporary music. Live appearances ceased in 1997, after which he spent the next twelve years focused exclusively on studio-based composition and recording. During this period he also began scoring projects for film and television. The Steppenwolf Award arrived in 2009, prompting his return to the stage through a sequence of piano recitals. His discography includes Bach interpretations issued by Melodiya as well as Philip Glass piano music released on Orange Mountain Music.