Moscow-born pianist Pyotr Akulov began piano at age four. Though not initially aiming for a musical career, his passion led him to the Moscow Central Music School and later the Gnessin School under Professor Maxim Zheleznov.
Winning the 2023 Thomas and Evon Cooper Competition brought him to study with Professor Stanislav Ioudenitch at the Oberlin Conservatory. He has also worked with renowned artists like Dmitry Bashkirov, William Grant Nabore, and Rena Shereshevskaya, and has been supported by the Rostropovich and NEW NAMES Foundations.
Pyotr has performed widely in Russia and abroad, appearing at major festivals and with orchestras such as the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, and the Salzburg Chamber Soloists. He is also an active chamber musician.
His awards include top prizes at the Zhuhai Mozart, Astana Piano Passion, Hilton Head, Grand Piano, Bachauer, and Cooper competitions.