Yuri Medyanik Bayan, Violin   

A native of Ukraine, Yuri Medianik began his studies of the bayan—the Russian version of the accordion—at age two, when his father first presented him with the instrument. Violin studies followed at age 8, and since then Yuri has performed regularly on both instruments, though with greater emphasis on the bayan. Initial concerts in Ukraine led to a First Prize performance at the Young Musicians competition in Bulgaria, in turn leading to concerts elsewhere in Europe. In 1994, Yuri's family moved to St. Petersburg, where he studied at the Rimsky-Korsakov Secondary Music School, and gave occasional concerts. In 1995, Yuri began bayan studies with composer and performer Vyatcheslav Semionov, whose works feature strong in Yuri's current repertoire. In 1997, Yuri moved to Moscow and began studies at the Gnessin Music School; he is currently studying violin at the Moscow Conservatory under Ara Bogdanian (a student of David Oistrakh).

Since then, Yuri has given bayan and violin recitals in such esteemed Moscow venues as Rachmaninov Concert Hall and the National Museum of History, and has won several awards-including First Prize at the 3rd International Bayan Competition in Moscow (2000) and the 1st International Bayan Competition in Surgut (Russia, 2001) and Grand Prix at the International Violin Competition Demidov in Ekaterinburg (Russia, 2003). Yuri performs regularly with various chamber ensembles, including the Skomorokhi Ensemble, the Studio for New Music, and the Piazzolla Quintet-where he indulges in his great love of the Argentine tango composer. Yuri is currently experimenting with creative ways to combine his love for folk and classical music with a series of concerts with folk orchestras, such as the Governor's Cherepovets Orchestra in Moscow. In late-2006, Yuri will make his debut with the Samara Philharmonic Orchestra (Russia); in 2007 he is planning a concert tour of China - where he has recently gained representation.

Yuri Medyanik

As the audio and video recordings here demonstrate, Yuri is, indeed, a young virtuoso on the bayan and violin—bringing a new sensibility to works by Couperin, Scarlatti, and Liszt, and we are delighted to feature his music on our site. For those interested in learning more about the Bayan and its important role in Russian music-making, here is an excellent article by bayanist and composer Henry Doktorski.

Reviews

"A sophisticated listener with an appreciation for the intellectual art will appreciate [Yuri's] versatile talent - a gem in the golden crown of Russian musicians..."

The Sources (Russia)

"We should be grateful that fate has blessed us by introducing us to this young musician, capable of ennobling and enriching the human spirit."

The Istoki (Russia)

"The marvelous tone of Yuri Medianik's instrument charmed the audience; his incredible virtuosity, musicality, and artistic sense enthralled the entire assembly."

Severniy Courier (Russia)

"Evidently this boy was born under a lucky star, and with a bayan in his hands..."

Evening Donetsk Basin (Russia)

"Here, without doubt, we meet a great virtuoso... He performs Scarlatti with such gentle touch and clarity that is not easy to find elsewhere... Precise playing is one of the strong points of his performances."

Accordions.com