SECOND STAGE: Rustam Zeynalov, piano | Graduating Student Project

Rustam Zeynalov is an internationally recognized concert pianist, praised for his expressive performances, refined technique, and deep musical insight.

A laureate of numerous international piano competitions, Rustam has been awarded top prizes at the IX International Chopin Competition (Estonia), the 9th “Young Academy Award” (Italy), the VIII EPTA International Piano Competition (Croatia), and the “Harmony” International Competition (Turkey/Georgia). He has also received the “Grand Prix” at multiple national competitions in Azerbaijan and was named a Presidential Scholar and included in the prestigious “Golden Book” of young talents by decree of the President of Azerbaijan.

Zeynalov has performed in some of the world’s leading concert halls and festivals across Europe, Asia, and North America. His international appearances include solo recitals at Berlin’s Konzerthaus, UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the “Young Euro Classic” Festival, the Spivakov International Festival “Moscow Meets Friends”, Yuri Bashmet’s Youth Music Academy, and the “Piano Pic” Festival in France. He has also appeared in festivals and with solo recitals in Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Belgium, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and the United States.

He holds degrees from the Saint Petersburg State Conservatory (studying with Alexander Sandler) and the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory (under Ruvim Ostrovsky), and is currently pursuing the Graduate Performance Diploma at the Longy School of Music of Bard College under the mentorship of Donald Berman.

A dedicated musician, Rustam has honed his craft through masterclasses with renowned pianists including Eliso Virsaladze, Boris Berezovsky, Natalya Trull, Sergey Dorensky, Vadim Rudenko, Stanislav Ioudenitch, etc. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, he continues to perform, teach, and inspire audiences worldwide.