Born in Kharkov (now in Ukraine) in 1955, Yuri Torchinsky studied at the Moscow State Conservatory and was successful in several major violin competitions. At the age of 24, while still a student, he became the youngest ever concertmaster of the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra and toured the world with the company, both as leader and soloist.

Torchinsky joined the BBC Philharmonic as leader in 1996, and makes regular appearances as soloist with the orchestra, most recently in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. He has made over a hundred recordings for Chandos and has guest-led many of the UK’s finest orchestras. He also gives many chamber recitals with his wife, the pianist Dina Parakhina.