In memory of my dear professor Irina Bochkova (November 2, 1938 — February 25, 2020)

Irina Vasilievna Bochkova was a renowned Russian violinist, born on November 2, 1938, in Ramenskoye, Moscow Oblast. She made a significant impact on the world of classical music through her exceptional talent and contributions as a performer, teacher, and competition juror. She passed away on February 25, 2020, at the age of 82.

Irina Bochkova's musical journey began at a young age when she received her initial musical training at Music School No. 1 in Kazan, studying under the guidance of R.S. German.
In 1957, she graduated from the Central Music School affiliated with the Moscow Conservatory. Later, in 1962, she completed her studies at the Moscow Conservatory, studying under the renowned violinist Yuri Yankelevich. Subsequently, in 1965, she pursued her postgraduate studies under Yankelevich's mentorship.
Irina Bochkova's exceptional talent as a violinist was recognized early in her career. She received several prestigious awards and honors, including:
- First Prize at the All-Union Competition in Moscow in 1961.
- Second Prize at the 1962 International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow.
- First Prize at the Jacques Thibaud Competition in Paris in 1963.
Irina Bochkova's dedication to music extended to her teaching career. She joined the Moscow Conservatory faculty in 1966, initially as an assistant to Yuri Yankelevich. In 1973, she became an independent instructor, eventually becoming an associate professor in 1978 and a full professor in 1993. From 2007, she served as the head of the violin department at the Moscow Conservatory.
In addition to her work at the Moscow Conservatory, she taught at the Central Music School affiliated with the Moscow Conservatory. Since 2015, she has been the head of the violin department at the Kazan Conservatory named after N. Zhiganov.
Irina Bochkova's passion for music education led her to conduct masterclasses in various cities and countries, including Suzdal, Surgut, Khanty-Mansiysk, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Minsk, Germany, France, Japan, and the United States.

Bochkova had a significant impact on her students, many of whom achieved success in international competitions. Some of her students include laureates of international competitions such as A. Belyakova, O. Volkova, M. Durand, R. Zamuruev, Bui Cong Duy, Kim Ji Won, O. Kolgatina, Zh. Li, D. Makhmudov, V. Margasyuk, I. Medvedeva, L. Minnibaeva, L. Polyakin, A. Provorotov, E. Revich, E. Rybentseva, and S. Teplova. Additionally, several of her students became laureates of the Tchaikovsky Competition, such as A. Chebotaryova, G. Mourja, and A. Trostyanskiy.

Irina Bochkova's talent as a violinist shone on the concert stage. She became a soloist with the Moscow State Academic Philharmonic Orchestra in 1962, a position she held throughout her career. Her captivating performances and collaborations with renowned conductors like Kirill Kondrashin, Yevgeny Svetlanov, Yuri Temirkanov, Seiji Ozawa, Fernand Kiné, Roberto Benzi, Alexander Dmitriev, Mariss Jansons, Igor Rakhlin, Yuri Nikolaevsky, Igor Shpiller, and Alexander Vedernikov enthralled audiences worldwide. She also performed alongside distinguished musicians such as Pablo Casals, Michael Horshovsky, Radu Lupu, Yuri Istomin, and Boris Lutsky.

Irina Bochkova's extensive repertoire included more than 40 violin concertos and major orchestral works, as well as solo violin pieces and chamber compositions. Her performances were characterized by her deep musicality and technical virtuosity, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and fellow musicians.

Irina Bochkova's discography includes eight LP records and five compact discs, featuring works by various composers, including F.A. Bonporti, J.S. Bach, L. van Beethoven, M. Brike, K.M. Weber, F. Kreisler, H. Wieniawski, E. Ysaÿe, D. Kabalevsky, L. Couperin, B. Martinu, W.A. Mozart, N. Paganini, S. Prokofiev, M. Ravel, P. Sarasate, C. Saint-Saëns, J. Suk, E. Tamberg, C. Franck, P. Hindemith, and P. Tchaikovsky. Her recordings, including pieces like Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 and Tchaikovsky's Melancholic Serenade, stand as a testament to her artistry and technical prowess.

Irina Bochkova's contributions to the world of classical music, both as a performer and an educator, have left an indelible mark on the field. Her dedication to nurturing young talents, coupled with her exceptional artistry as a violinist, will be remembered for generations to come.

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