Vladimir Ashkenazy is a Russian-born pianist and conductor. Ashkenazy has recorded a wide range of piano repertoire, both solo works and concerti. In Europe, Ashkenazy was principal conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra from 1987 to 1994, and of the Czech Philharmonic from 1998 to 2003. He was chief conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra from 2009 through 2013.