Draft:Alexei Ogrintchouk

Alexei Ogrintchouk (b. 31 December 1978, Moscow) - Russian and Dutch oboist and conductor.

Biography
Son of the pianist Leonid Ogrintchouk. He honed his skills at the Gnessin Special Music School under the guidance of I.F. Pushechnikov. Later, he pursued formal training at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, studying under Maurice Bourgue, Jean-Louis Capezzali and Jacques Tys).

Solo career
From a young age, Alexei embarked on a solo career. He participated in concerts and events organized by the "New Names" Foundation during his teenage years. After graduation from Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris Alexei was appointed as the principal oboist of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra from 1999 to 2005 before assuming the same role with the famous Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam.

Alexei Ogrintchouk plays an oboe by Marigaux.

Performance history
Alexei perfored a number of renowned venues across the globe, including Carnegie Hall in New York, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Musikverein in Vienna, and Wigmore Hall in London.

In the 2000-2001 season, he represented the Paris Concert Hall Cité de la musique in the "Rising Stars" concert series. In the 2005-2007 seasons, he was part of the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme.

Alexei has performed at major international music festivals such as Verbier Festival, BBC Proms, Lockenhaus Chamber Music Festival, Lucerne Festival, Berliner Festspiele, Edinburgh International Festival, Svyatoslav Richter's December Nights etc.

His collaboration with distinguished conductors such as Mariss Jansons, Valery Gergiev, and Kent Nagano, among others, showcased and highlighted the versatility of his talent and artistry on the international stage.

Chamber Music and Premieres
In addition to his solo endeavors, Alexei is a sought-after chamber musician, having shared the stage with luminaries like Gidon Kremer, Radu Lupu, and Thomas Quasthoff.

A specific honor and an a confirmation of his artistic talents was him premiering oboe concertos by renowned composers such as Rodion Shchedrin and Marc-André Dalbavie, further establishing himself at the scene of contemporary music.

In 2022, he gave a World premiere of Alexander Raskatov's oboe concerto "Time's River" dedicated to Alexei Ogrintchouk.

Conducting Career
In recent years, Alexei has expanded his artistic horizons to also include conducting. He has led orchestras such as the Mariinsky Orchestra, Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra, and Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire, and others earning acclaim for his dynamic interpretations and leadership on the podium.

Notably, he was appointed chief conductor of Phion, Orkest van Gelderland & Overijssel, in the Netherlands since the 2023-2024 season.

Teaching and Mentorship
Driven by a passion for education, Alexei has served as a visiting professor at esteemed institutions including the Royal Academy of Music in London, Musikene in San Sebastian, and the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. In 2011, he succeeded Maurice Bourgue as professor of oboe at the Haute École de Musique de Geneve, where he continues to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Awards and Recognition
Alexei's exceptional talent has been recognized with numerous awards and prizes throughout his career. He claimed the first prize for oboe at the Geneva International Music Competition. in 1998 and was honored with the prestigious Victoires de la Musique award in France in 2002 in two categories: «Foreign Performer - Discovery of the Year» and «Public Prize». In 2007, he received the Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award, further cementing his status as one of the preeminent oboists of his generation.

Legacy
Alexei Ogrintchouk's contributions to the world of classical music extend far beyond his remarkable performances and accolades. Through his artistry, mentorship, and dedication to musical excellence, he continues to enrich the cultural landscape and inspire audiences and aspiring musicians alike.

Recordings
R. Schumann - Music for oboe and piano (with Leonid Ogrintchouk) (Harmonia Mundi, 2003)

N. Skalkotas - Concertino for oboe and piano (BIS Records, 2003)

J.S. Bach - Oboe Concertos (BIS Records, 2010)

R. Shchedrin - Oboe Concerto (world premiere) (RCO Live, 2010)

W.A. Mozart - Concerto, quartet, sonata for oboe (BIS Records, 2012)

XX century - Works for oboe and piano (with Leonid Ogrintchouk) (BIS Records, 2014)

R. Strauss - Concerto for oboe, serenades for wind instruments (BIS Records, 2017)

W.A. Mozart, C.M. von Weber, J.M.S. Dupuy - Bassoon Concertos (as a conductor) (BIS Records, 2020)

W.A. Mozart - Gran Partita for wind instruments (BIS Records, 2020)