Sir András Schiff is a Hungarian-born British classical pianist and conductor widely acclaimed for his contributions to music.
During his illustrious career, he won numerous prestigious honors, including a Grammy Award, a Gramophone Award, the Mozart Medal and the Royal Academy of Music Bach Prize.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to music, he was appointed Bachelor of Jazz in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honors.
In addition to his musical achievements, Schiff is known for his outspoken criticism of political developments in Hungary and Austria, which reflected his commitment to cultural and social issues.
contour
- Full name: Andras Schiff
- Stage name: Andras Schiff
- Date of birth: December 21, 1953
- Age: 70 years old
- Place of birth: Budapest, Hungary
- Nationality: British, Hungarian
- Occupation: Hungarian-British classical pianist and conductor
- Height: unknown
- Parents: Edmund and Ilona Schiff
- Siblings: unknown
- Spouse: Shiokawa Yuko
- Children: unknown
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $5 million
early life and education
András Schiff was born on December 21, 1953, in Budapest, Hungary, to a Jewish family. His father, Edmund Schiff, was a doctor and amateur violinist, while his mother, Ilona Schiff, was from Debrecen. He is the only son of his parents and has no brothers or sisters.
Schiff began piano studies with Elisabeth Vadász at the age of five, and later advanced to the Liszt Ferenc Conservatoire in Budapest. There he studied with outstanding teachers such as Pál Kadosa, György Kurtág and Ferenc Rados, who had a major influence on his musical development.
He later expanded his training in London, studying with George Malcolm, a pioneer of classical keyboard instruments. Although Schiff is of Jewish descent, he is a Christian.
Profession
András Schiff began his musical journey at the age of five, studying at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest with Elisabeth Vardas, Pal Cardosa and Ferenc Rados. Despite Lados’ harsh criticism, Schiff considers him influential.
He also attended summer courses in Weimar with Tatiana Nikolayeva and Bella Davidovich, and later in London with George Malcolm Study and focus on classical keyboard instruments. Schiff collaborated with Malcolm to record Mozart’s music for four hands on a fortepiano once owned by the composer.
In 1974, Schiff won fourth place at the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition and tied for third place at the Leeds International Piano Competition in 1975.
He immigrated from Hungary in 1979, subsequently obtained Austrian citizenship in 1987, and renounced his citizenship in 2001 to become a British citizen. Schiff has since established homes in London and Salzburg, reflecting his international career and prospects.
Schiff played an important role in the Chamber Music Festival, serving as “Moon Lake Music Station“(1989-1998) and co-founded”Itinger Pfünst Concert” 1995 with Heinz Holliger.
He is an artist-in-residence at several prestigious institutions including the Weimar Festival and the Berlin Philharmonic. In 1999, he formed Cappella Andrea Barca, a temporary chamber group named after a humorous pseudonym.
A renowned interpreter of composers such as Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, Schiff made numerous recordings for Decca, including the complete piano sonatas of Mozart and Schubert.
His educational work includes master classes at institutions such as The Juilliard School and the Royal Academy of Music. He also contributed academic insights, such as providing fingerings for Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier and Mozart’s Piano Concertos for G. Henle.
Schiff was an outspoken critic of political developments in Hungary and Austria. He renounced his Austrian citizenship in protest against the far-right and has been an outspoken opponent of the Hungarian government under Viktor Orban, citing racism, anti-Semitism and authoritarianism. In 2011, he published a letter in the Washington Post condemning Hungary’s willingness to lead the European Council.
Currently, Schiff serves as Distinguished Visiting Professor of Piano at the Barenboim Said Academy in Berlin and continues to perform, lecture, and teach around the world. His legacy as a pianist, educator and social justice advocate remains profound
Awards and nominations
András Schiff received numerous awards and honors during his distinguished career.
- Grammy Award: Best Instrumental Solo Performance (not including orchestra) for a recording of Bach English Suite
- Gramophone Prize: Schubert Recital with Peter Schreier
- Mozart Medal: Awarded by the International Mozarteum Foundation
- Royal Academy of Music Bach Prize
- Liszt Ferenc Prize: Hungary’s prestigious award for outstanding achievements in music
- Knighthood: awarded by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his contribution to music
social media
Instagram account: @sirandrasschiff
personal life
András Schiff is married to the famous Japanese violinist Yūko Shiokawa. The couple lives mainly in London, Italy and Japan. Their shared passion for classical music has led to frequent collaborations, including critically acclaimed recordings that highlight the synergy of their music. There is no public information that Andras Schiff has any children.
discography
bach:
- “Well-Tempered Piano Collection” Volumes 1 and 2
- Goldberg Variations
- Partitas
- Keyboard Concerto
Beethoven:
- piano sonata (full cycle)
- Diabelli Variations
mozart:
- piano sonata
- Piano Concerto
Schubert:
- Sonatas, Impromptu, Musical Moments
- Schumann: Spiritual Variations
- Brahms: Piano Concerto
- Janacek: Memories
- Debussy and Mozart: songs
net worth
András Schiff is a famous Hungarian-born British classical pianist and conductor whose net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million as of 2024. Widely acclaimed for his masterful interpretations of composers such as Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, Schiff has earned numerous accolades across the musical spectrum. His career, including a Grammy Award, cemented his reputation as one of classical music’s leading figures.
