Born in Moscow in 1973, Alexander Melnikov is one of the finest Russian pianists of his generation. He performed with orchestras such as Russian National, Tokyo Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus, Philadelphia, Rotterdam Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic under famous conductors like Pletniev, Dutoit, Gergiev, Temirkanov, Herreweghe. As a chamber musician, he forms a well-established duo with Isabelle Faust, and a trio with the latter along with Jean-Guihen Queyras, while he has also worked with Maxim Vengerov, Natalia Gutman, Yuri Bashmet and Pieter Wispelwey. His recordings for Harmonia Mundi France have met with great critical acclaim. In addition to all this, Mr Melnikov loves aviation and is a qualified pilot.