born in 1974, he began his career as a solo violinist at the age of five, won the wieniawski and carl flesch international competitions at ages 10 and 15 respectively, studied with galina tourchaninova and zakhar bron, made his first recording at the age of 10, and went on to record extensively for high-profile labels including melodia, teldec and emi, earning among others, grammy and "gramophone" artist of the year awards.