VIOLIN 1955 : Fifth Prize
Ukrainian violinist Victor Pikayzen graduated in David Oistrakh's class at the Moscow Conservatory in 1957 and completed his postgraduate studies under his direction in 1960. Apart from the Queen Elisabeth Competition in 1955, he was a prizewinner at international violin competitions in Prague (1949), Paris (1957), Moscow (1958) and Genoa (1965). In 1960 he became a soloist with the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra. He is an outstanding virtuoso whose playing is distinguished by exceptional technique and nobility of style, and is noted for his performances of the Bach and Paganini works for violin solo. He toured in many countries and has also served on the juries of many international competitions. In 1966 he began teaching at the Moscow Conservatory.