Pavel Gililov to Lead Masterclasses at ClaviCologne International Piano Festival 2026

ClaviCologne International Piano Festival 2026 is honoured to welcome the legendary pianist and pedagogue Pavel Gililov as one of its distinguished masterclass professors, bringing to the festival one of the most influential figures in the international piano world.

Born in the former Soviet Union, Gililov was recognised early as an exceptional talent by composer Dmitry Kabalevsky. His rise to prominence began with victory at the Moscow National Piano Competition in 1972, followed by a prize at the prestigious International Chopin Competition in Warsaw in 1975.

Alongside his acclaimed concert career, Gililov has become world-renowned for his extraordinary contribution to piano education. From 1982 until 2013, he served as Professor of Piano at the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne, while also holding a professorship at the Mozarteum University Salzburg. Over the decades, he has guided and shaped numerous successful international careers, earning a reputation as one of the foremost piano mentors of our time.

He regularly gives masterclasses throughout Europe and Asia and serves as Chairman of the Jury and Artistic Director of the International Telekom Beethoven Competition in Bonn, one of the leading piano competitions in the world.

As a performer, Gililov has appeared on major international stages and festivals including the Salzburg Festival, Berliner Festspiele, Wiener Festwochen, Edinburgh Festival, Schleswig-Holstein Festival, and the International Music Festival of Buenos Aires. His extensive discography has also received wide critical acclaim.

In addition to his solo work, Gililov is a devoted chamber musician and has served since 1997 as Artistic Director of the international chamber music festival Sommerclassics.

His presence at ClaviCologne International Piano Festival 2026 promises an exceptional opportunity for young pianists to learn from a master teacher whose artistic insight and pedagogical legacy have shaped generations of musicians worldwide.