Mikhail Utkin
(Violoncello). 1952 – was born in Vilnius (Lithuania). 1959 – first music lessons at
the Central Music School, Moscow. 1967 – First Prize, International Youth Competition of
the Prague Radio. 1970 – student of the Moscow State Conservatory, cello class of
Mstislav Rostropovich. 1972 – Second Prize at the International String Quartet
Competition, Liege, Belgium. Solo concertizing in major cities of Russia and abroad. 1974
– admitted as soloist of Moscow Concerting Organization. 1975 – graduates from the
Moscow State Conservatory (Degree–Diploma with Honors) and admitted in the post-graduate
course, cello class of Kalianov. 1978 – solo concertizing in Germany. Concerto No. 2 by
Shostakovich with Gewandhaus-Orchestra under Kurt Masur. 1986 – honorable title
"Honored Artist of the Russia". 1990 – admitted as soloist of the Moscow State
Philharmony. 1994 – honorable title "People's Artist of the Russia". 1996 –
Award of the Moscow Government.
Marina Gorokholinsky (piano). Educated at Central Music School of Moscow she has
graduated from the Moscow State Conservatory in 1984. All this time she has studied with
famous pianist and professor Victor Merzhanov. Now she performs as a chamber player and
solo pianist. "Marina Gorokholinsky is a bright representative of Russian piano
school. Her concert performances are always exceptional in artistic way and never leave
the audience emotionally untouched. She possesses a smooth beautiful sound and deep
sensitivity, which allows her to show in her performances all the uniqueness of the pieces
of the composers of different styles." (Victor Merzhanov).