SHURA CHERKASSKY (Alexander), Russian pianist, naturalized American (Odessa, 7.10.1911 – London, 27.12.1995). He studied in Baltimore and Philadelphia with his mother Lydia and later with Josef Hofmann. At the age of 12 he began his concert activity, playing at the White House for President Hoover. He was later a soloist with the New York and Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestras, and in 1929-1930 he worked with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and other European ensembles (1937-1938). He gave concerts in Australia and New Zealand (1928), South Africa (1929 and 1931), Asia (1935), Europe (1935-1938) and America (1933-1936 and 1939). In 1963 he toured the world. After residing in Paris from 1939, he moved to London where he lived for the rest of his life. To celebrate his eightieth birthday, he performed in many European capitals and in major cities in the United States. The high point of his career came on 2 December 1991, when he performed his favourite repertoire at Carnegie Hall: the recording of this historic concert has been released on CD by the DECCA label. His discography includes recordings for DGG, HMV, DECCA, ASV Records and Nimbus Records.