Russians win BBC music gongs

Russians Maksim Vengerov and Aleksandr Vedernikov have triumphed at the BBC Music Magazine Awards. An expert jury and fans chose the pair.

Violinist Maksim Vengerov received an award for Ken Howard’s DVD ‘Living the Dream’.

“Vengerov’s ardent personality is given plenty of space to speak for itself, and every aspiring musician should see the footage of his Moscow Conservatory master classes,” the jury said.

Aleksandr Vedernikov, the Music Director and Chief Conductor of Bolshoi Theatre, has been named the best Conductor for 2008. He was recognised for helping Martha Argerich win the Orchestral award.