Konstantin Ishkhanov

Konstantin Ishkhanov is a businessman, one of the preeminent cultural philanthropists of our time, and the President of various international festivals and competitions. 

Born on the 23rd of January 1970, Ishkhanov’s parents were not musicians by trade but were highly active in the arts and culture scene, which would go on to have a lasting influence on the young Ishkhanov, and be a crucial factor in his later decision to dedicate his life to cultural initiatives. 

After concluding his postgraduate studies, Ishkhanov initially embarked on a career focused on research of innovative new technologies. However, in 2005, he reduced his business activities and began to focus his efforts into cultural projects, laying the groundwork for various major projects, many of which have now gone on to become internationally-established endeavours with a wide global following.

Included amongst these are such acclaimed events as the InClassica International Music Festival, which is currently heading into its 14th edition, the Symphonic Middle East Festival, Accordi Musicali International Classical Music Festival, Chieti Classica International Music Festival, Eurasian Stars International Music Festival, and the ClaviCologne International Piano festival, all of which Ishkanov oversees personally in his role as President of each event. 

Additionally, Ishkhanov is also the President of the highly-esteemed Classic Piano, Classic Cello and Classic Winds series of international competitions, and is further involved in hundreds of other projects, ranging from music academies, concerts and conferences to ballets, ice shows and many more, in various different capacities. 

In 2019, Ishkhanov became the first foreign citizen to be awarded Malta’s highest cultural award for ‘Exceptional Contribution to the Cultural Life of Malta’.