Joaquín Achúcarro

Spanish classical music pianist (Bilbao, 1939). Though he made his debut at age 13, his professional career started after his victory at the 1959 Liverpool International Competition (one year after Zubin Mehta had won it as conductor) with Schumann's Piano Concerto and Rachmaninoff's Paganini Rhapsody, which led to his London debut with the London Symphony Orchestra. He has since worked in 61 countries, performing in venues such as Avery Fisher Hall, Berlin Philharmonie, Carnegie Hall, Concertgebouw, Kennedy Center, Musikverein, Royal Albert Hall, Salle Gaveau, Salle Pleyel, Teatro alla Scala, Suntory Hall, Sydney Opera House, Teatro Colón and The Barbican both playing recitals and as soloist with 208 orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, London Symphony, New Philharmonia, London Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony.