Biography
«I regard this young pianist as someone close to me - highly gifted musician. He has big future». - Gidon Kremer
«He has a very rare gift of a true Chopinist» - Sergei Babayan
«Georgijs Osokins arguably delivered up the day’s most strikingly individual interpretations.. ..Indeed, his epic sense of time scale is akin to Emil Gilels». - Gramophone Magazine during Chopin Competition.
«Osokins is a protégé of Gidon Kremer and one understands why. Refined, impeccable technique, musical ideas - simply great piano playing». - France Musique
The Latvian pianist Georgijs Osokins gained international recognition at age 19 after competing in the 17th International Chopin Piano Competition, where he became an audience favorite. Critics described his interpretations as “revolutionary,” “extraordinary,” and “unpredictable.” Following the competition, he performed at major venues such as Konzerthaus Berlin, Boulez Saal, Klavier-Festival Ruhr, Salzburg Festival, Laeiszhalle and Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Wigmore Hall London, Carnegie Hall, Lockenhaus Festival, Gstaad Menuhin Festival, NOSPR Concert Hall Katowice, NFM Hall Wroclaw, Vancouver Playhouse, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Hall, and the Shanghai Music Festival.
In recent seasons, Osokins collaborated with leading orchestras, including the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under Christoph Eschenbach and Rotem Nir, performing five concerts in Tel Aviv as a substitute for Rudolf Buchbinder. He also toured with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo under Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, earning outstanding reviews for concerts in Monte Carlo and Konzerthaus Dortmund. With Kremerata Baltica, he embarked on an Asia tour, performing in top concert halls across South Korea, China, and Taiwan.
Osokins frequently collaborates with Gidon Kremer, touring across the UK, Ireland, Europe, Asia, and the USA. Alongside Lucas Debargue, he became the first resident guest artist in Kremerata Baltica’s 25-year history. The 2025/26 season opens with recital appearances at the Schleswig-Holstein Festival, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival, Weidener Meisterkonzerte, and more.
The British label Piano Classics released two of his albums featuring Chopin’s late works and Rachmaninoff’s compositions, both receiving high praise from music publications in the UK, Canada, Germany, Denmark, and France. His first chamber music album, recorded with Gidon Kremer and Giedre Dirvanauskaite, was released by the German label Accentus and includes trios by Chopin and Beethoven. This recording was nominated for the 2020 International Classical Music Awards and Opus Klassik 2021. A major highlight of his 25/26 season is the release of Georgijs of Arvo Pärts piano works in September 2025 on Deutsche Grammophon label, who will also take over his exclusive representation.
Osokins is the youngest recipient of the Grand Latvian Music Award, Latvia’s highest musical honor. He plays on a custom-designed Fazioli piano bench.