Gilels, Emil (1916–1985)

Russian pianist. He studied in Odessa and made his debut there in 1929. At the age of 16 he won first prize in the Soviet Pianists' Competition, and in 1936 won second prize in the international piano competition in Vienna. In 1938 he won first prize in the Brussels international piano competition and began teaching at the Moscow Conservatory. He made his debuts in Paris and New York in 1955, and in London in 1959. He was well known in Russian music and classical repertory.