Katya Grineva, a Russian-born pianist, came to New York in 1989. She made her American debut in 1993 performing the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 27 in B-Flat, k. 595 with the Baltimore Symphony, and made her Carnegie Hall debut on May 13.
Born in Moscow, Grineva began studying piano at the age of six, attending the Moscow Music School. She went on to the Moscow High School of Music under the aegis of the prestigious Moscow Conservatory, where she studied with Professor Pavel Messner. It was during her tutelage with Maestro Messner that Katya began giving recitals and experiencing the "special and spontaneous" interaction between artist and audience that would become the hallmark of her performances. In New York, she was awarded a scholarship to immediately enter the Mannes School of Music graduate program, studying with Nina Svetlanova, followed by private coaching with Vladja Mashke, who played a key role in the young pianist's development.
Grineva has been soloist with the Acadiana Symphony, the ARS Nova Musicians Chamber Orchestra, the Manhattan Virtuosi Orchestra, and the European Philharmonic Orchestra in France. Her recitals have captivated audiences at the Laurier Society in Paris and in one of the most prestigious concert halls in Paris, Salle Gaveau. Since April 1998 Steinway and Sons has awarded Katya the honorable title of Steinway Artist. Her other awards include: a special award from the New York State Shields in 2003 and, most recently, an award for special achievements from the government of Guam.
Grineva has made a specialty of the romantic piano music and recorded four CD's: From Katya with Love, Katya From the Heart, Katya... Inspiration Bleu, and Love and Fire: The Dances