Yakov Flier
Pianist
One of Russia's greatest concert pianists. He focused on the Romantic-Era style and was awarded the People's Artist of the USSR Award in 1966.
He and Emil Gilels were constant competitors. Giles claimed first prize at the 1938 Queen Elizabeth international contest in Brussels where Flier claimed third prize.
He trained many future piano greats during his tenure teaching at the Moscow Conservatory. A few of his students were Rodion Shchedrin, Mikhail Rudy, and MÅ
His family was residing in Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Russia, when he was born.
He was mentored by Konstantin Igumnov while attending the Moscow Conservatory.