Yuli Turovsky
Canadian conductor
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Yuli Turovsky OC CQ (Russian: Юлий Туровский; 1939 – 2013) was a Soviet-born Canadian cellist, conductor and music educator, known for founding the I Musici de Montréal Chamber Orchestra.[1][2][3]
Yuli Turovsky | |
|---|---|
| Юлий Туровский | |
| Born | 7 July 1939 |
| Died | 15 January 2013 (aged 73) |
| Education | Moscow Conservatory |
| Years active | 1969-2013 |
| Employers | |
| Known for | Founder of the I Musici de Montréal Chamber Orchestra |
| Spouse | Eleonora Turovsky (née Leonova) |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards |
|
| Musical career | |
| Occupations | |
| Instrument | Cello |
| Formerly of | Borodin Trio |
Early life and education
Turovsky was born on the 7 July 1939 in Moscow in the Soviet Union (present-day, Russia). In 1946, Turovsky began studying the cello at Moscow Central Music School.[3] In 1957, Turovsky enrolled at the Moscow Conservatory where he studied under Galina Kozolupova.[3][4] Turovsky graduated with a diploma in 1962, and subsequently earned his doctorate in 1969.[3]
Life in the Soviet Union
In 1969 Turovsky obtained first prize at the Soviet-wide cello competition and second prize at the Prague Spring International Music Festival.[3] He also became the lead cello for the Moscow Chamber Orchestra which Rudolf Barshai had founded about fifteen years earlier and this association marked the beginning of Turovsky's recording career.[1][3] In parallel to his work as a performing cellist, Turovsky taught at the Central Music School and the Conservatory and conducted the chamber orchestra of a local school.[3] In 1976 he left Russia with his wife Eleonora (herself a professional violinist), his daughter Natasha and his father and settled in Montreal in 1977.[1]
Life in Montreal
In 1976 Turovsky and fellow Soviet emigrants Rostislav Dubinsky (violin) and Luba Edlina (piano) founded the Borodin Trio.[1]
Turovsky founded the I Musici de Montréal Chamber Orchestra in 1983. The orchestra originally consisted of music students from Montreal, many of whom were or had been students of Turovsky and his wife.[5] Under Turovsky's direction and with Eleonora as first violin, I Musici became one of the best known classical ensembles of Canada, toured extensively in Canada, in the United States and abroad and produced over thirty recordings.[1][2] Turovsky's health forced him to step down as the artistic director and conductor in 2011.[5]
Turovsky taught at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal from 1977 to 1985 and at the Université de Montréal from 1979 until the early 2010s as his health declined.[1][6] One of his last students, Stéphane Tétreault, is regarded as one of the top young talents in classical music in Canada.[6][7]
Turovsky was a Knight of the National Order of Quebec (2010) and an Officer of the Order of Canada (2012).[8][9] He received the 2012 Prix Opusl lifetime achievement award from the Quebec Music Council.[10]
Turovsky died in Montreal on 15 January 2013 from complications due to Parkinson's disease. He was 73. His wife Eleonora died in March 2012.[1]