Musician. Born in Odessa, Ukraine, he was a classical concert pianist noted for his romantic repertoire and virtuoso technique. As a child, he was taken by his family to America, where he studied with Josef Hofmann at the newly founded Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Making his debit at age 11 in Baltimore, appeared as a soloist with the New York Symphony and also performed at the White House in Washington, D.C. in 1923. In 1928, he made his first International tour with visits to Australia and South Africa. During the 1930s, he made many recordings for the RCA Victor, Vox, and Swedish Cupol labels. Following a major tour of Europe in 1946, he moved to London and toured almost continually around the world during his career. He made a successful debut in Russia in 1976 and returned for subsequent tours (1978-87). He gave many recitals at New York's 92nd Street Y, which honored him with the establishment of the Shura Cherkassky Recital Award in 1986. In 1989, he celebrated his 80th birthday with a recital at New York's Carnegie Hall. He died at age 86 in London, England.
Musician. Born in Odessa, Ukraine, he was a classical concert pianist noted for his romantic repertoire and virtuoso technique. As a child, he was taken by his family to America, where he studied with Josef Hofmann at the newly founded Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Making his debit at age 11 in Baltimore, appeared as a soloist with the New York Symphony and also performed at the White House in Washington, D.C. in 1923. In 1928, he made his first International tour with visits to Australia and South Africa. During the 1930s, he made many recordings for the RCA Victor, Vox, and Swedish Cupol labels. Following a major tour of Europe in 1946, he moved to London and toured almost continually around the world during his career. He made a successful debut in Russia in 1976 and returned for subsequent tours (1978-87). He gave many recitals at New York's 92nd Street Y, which honored him with the establishment of the Shura Cherkassky Recital Award in 1986. In 1989, he celebrated his 80th birthday with a recital at New York's Carnegie Hall. He died at age 86 in London, England.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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