Mikhail Shekhtman (b. 1989, Moscow) is a highly versatile Russian conductor and pianist, acclaimed for his profound musicianship across orchestral, operatic, and chamber repertoire. A graduate with honours from the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory, where he studied piano under Pavel Nersessian, he further developed his conducting craft through masterclasses with Michail Jurowski and Teodor Currentzis, and studied organ in Russia and Austria. His conducting debut came in 2015 with the State Chamber Orchestra of Russia at the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. Since then, he has assisted renowned conductors including Valery Gergiev, Daniele Gatti, Sir Antonio Pappano, and Daniel Harding.
As a pianist, Shekhtman has performed at major venues across Europe, Asia, and North America, including the Berliner Philharmonie, Wiener Konzerthaus, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, and Benaroya Hall. He has appeared as soloist with orchestras such as the Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Leipzig Gewandhausorchester, Seoul Philharmonic, and Seattle Symphony. A long-standing artistic partner of soprano Julia Lezhneva since 2007, he conducted and accompanied her on the award-winning Decca album Graun: Arias (2017), which received Diapason’s 5 stars and the OPUS KLASSIK 2018 award. In 2023, he returned to the Mariinsky Theatre to conduct a Baroque concert, reaffirming his growing reputation on the international stage.
Conducting debut with the State Chamber Orchestra of Russia at the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory (2015).
Released Julia Lezhneva’s Decca album Graun: Arias (2017), earning OPUS KLASSIK 2018 and Diapason 5-star acclaim.
Conducted the Mariinsky Orchestra in a Mozart programme with Julia Lezhneva at the Stars of the White Nights Festival (2018).
Performed at the Kissinger Sommer festival and in the Konzerthaus Berlin; collaborated with leading European orchestras.
Longtime artistic partner of Julia Lezhneva — performed together at major festivals including Verbier, Lucerne, and Gstaad.
Conducted a Baroque music concert in November 2023, marking a significant return to the historic stage.
Soloist and chamber performer at iconic venues: Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (Paris), Tonhalle (Zurich), LOTTE Hall (Seoul), Melbourne Recital Centre.
