Mikhail Istomin's Discography

 Mikhail Istomin is a cellist in the grand Russian tradition, with great technique and sonority. He draws exceptionally rich sound from his lowest string, even when playing softly, and never loses an appealing, slightly juicy quality all the way up.

- Mark Kanny, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

 His Russian schooling is most audible when the music turns espresivo. He sounds born to play adagio and largos, he gives sentimental or nostalgic melodies the burnish of old wood, and it seams, all the time in the world.

- Clark Bastard, Richmond Times Dispatch

  Born and educated in Russia Mikhail Istomin holds Master of Music degree from the St. Petersburg Conservatory. In 1986, while still in school he became Principal Cellist of the St. Petersburg Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Saulus Sondetskis. In 1987 He became the cellist of the Leningrad String Quartet. In the spring of 1989 the group won the Grand Prize in the National Soviet union Competition of String Quartets. During summer of 1989 after extensive tour of the Western Europe, Quartet was invited to perform in the United States. At the end of the tour, Mr. Istomin defected and sought political asylum in the US.

  Mr. Istomin's American career began in Virginia with the Richmond Symphony. He was also invited to serve on the faculties of the Virginia State University and the Governor's School for the Performing Arts at the University of Richmond. Prior to joining the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 1992, Mr. Istomin was Principal Cellist of the Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Orchestras.

  Mr.Istomin was 1993 winner of both the Passamaneck Award of the Y Music Society and the Pittsburgh Concert Society Auditions. He has appeared as soloist with numerous orchestras and in solo recitals in Virginia, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas. In July of 1998 Mr. Istomin returned to St. Petersburg to perform in The Second World Cello Congress under the direction of Mstislav Rostropovich. In March of 2002 The "The Three Graces" disc was released, featuring music of British composer C. Armstrong Gibbs. Most recently the Pittsburgh Piano Trio recorded a new disc of Chamber Music of Frank Bridge.

  Mr. Istomin is a founding member of the Pittsburgh Piano Trio.

  Mr. Istomin is currently on the faculty of Duquesne University and City Music Center.