Gnessin State Musical College

Originally known as the Gnessin Institute, it was established on February 15, 1895, by three sisters: Evgenia Fabianovna, Elena Fabianovna, and Maria Fabianovna Gnessin.^[2] Each of the Gnessin sisters had studied piano and graduated with distinction from the Moscow Conservatory.^[3] Construction of the modern building began in 1937, interrupted during the war and resumed in 1943. The main part of the academy was built in 1946.

The college quickly became, and remains, an elite music school, considered second only to the Moscow Conservatory.^[3]

The Gnessin sisters were born in Rostov-on-Don, the children of Rostov Rabbi Fabian Osipovich Gnessin.^[4] The entire family appears to have possessed musical talent.^[1] Their brother, Mikhail Fabianovich Gnessin, was a celebrated composer and teacher who later served (1945–1957) as head of Gnessin State Musical College.^[1]

Russian unless otherwise stated