Overview
Cello
Dr. Leonid Shukaev is a cellist who belongs to the great Russian cello tradition. As a student at the St. Petersburg Conservatory (Master of Music, 1979–1984; Doctor of Philosophy, 1986–1989), he studied with Emanuel Fishmann, teacher of renowned cellists Misha Maisky and Boris Pergamenshikov.
Dr. Shukaev enjoyed a distinguished teaching career at the St. Petersburg Conservatory and the Rimsky-Korsakov Music College (1988–1999), where he served as professor of cello and string quartet. He was also on the faculty of Oberlin Conservatory for five years (1997–2003).
He is currently a tenured associate professor of cello and chamber music coach at the Wichita State University School of Music in Wichita, Kansas. He also serves as principal cellist of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the Wichita Grand Opera Orchestra.
Dr. Shukaev is a founding member of the Orfeo Trio and Orfeo Duo, whose recent performances include tours in the United States, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. He was also a founding member of the Brahms Trio and the St. Petersburg Trio.
In 1986, Dr. Shukaev founded the St. Petersburg Quartet, which performed internationally for 30 years. The quartet’s honors include a Grammy nomination; “Best Record” recognition from both Stereo Review and Gramophone magazines; first prize and the Grand Prix Musica Viva at the 1991 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition; silver medal and special prize at the 1989 Tokyo International Chamber Music Competition; first prize and two special prizes at the 1989 Vittorio Gui International Competition for Chamber Ensembles in Florence, Italy; first prize at the 1987 All-Soviet Union String Quartet Competition; and third prize at the inaugural Dmitri Shostakovich International String Quartet Competition (1987).
Master of Music - Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory
Doctor of Philosophy - Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory