Pavel Vernikov, an esteemed student of David Oistrakh and Semyon Snitkovsky, has long been recognized as one of the finest violinists of his generation. His exceptional artistry and profound musicality have earned him prestigious accolades, including the International ARD Violin Competition in Munich and the Grand Prix at the International Violin Competition Vittorio Gui in Florence.
A virtuoso of remarkable depth and expression, Vernikov has graced the world’s most prestigious concert halls, from the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam to Carnegie Hall in New York to London’s Wigmore Hall, La Scala in Milan, and Santa Cecilia in Rome. His performances resonate with an unmatched blend of technical brilliance and emotional intensity, captivating audiences across the globe.
For over 30 years, Pavel Vernikov has been a member of the Tchaikovsky Trio, collaborating with some of the greatest musicians of our time, including Sviatoslav Richter, James Galway, Alain Meunier, Patrick Gallois, Maria Tipo, Natalia Gutman, Oleg Kagan, Yuri Bashmet, Elisso Virsaladze, Christian Zimmermann, and Anthony Pay. His passion for chamber music has led him to take on the role of Artistic Director at renowned festivals such as the Gubbio Music Festival, the Dubrovnik Chamber Music Festival, and the Eilat Chamber Music Festival. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Russian Academy of Higher Learning in Portogruaro.
A revered pedagogue, Vernikov is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of violinists. He has held teaching positions at leading institutions, including the CNSM de Lyon (1997-2004), the HEMU de Lausanne (2011-2023), and since 2004, he has been a professor at the University MUK in Vienna. His influence extends worldwide through masterclasses in Italy, France, Finland, Spain (Escuela Superior de Musica Reina Sofia, Madrid), Israel (Rubin Academy), Miyazaki Academy (Japan) and Germany (Kronberg Academy). His expertise is sought after by international competitions, where he has served as a jury member, including at the Szigeti, Kreisler, ARD Munich, Sendai, Budapest, Sarasate, Wieniawski, Heifetz, Singapore, and Montreal competitions.
Since 2013, Vernikov has served as the Artistic Director of the Sion Festival in Switzerland, where in 2024 he was joined by violinist and friend Janine Jansen. His unwavering commitment to fostering young talent and uniting cultures through music has led him to establish several prestigious competitions, including Il Piccolo Violino Magico, Tibor Junior, and Classical Violin Olympus, all of which continue to attract the finest young violinists from around the world.
Pavel Vernikov plays on a magnificent 1757 Giovanni Battista Guadagnini violin, a fitting companion to his extraordinary musical journey, one that continues to inspire and shape the future of classical music.
The CMIM jury is housed at the Ritz-Carlton – Montréal
