Vladimir Pavlovich Ovchinnikov is a Russian pianist from Belebey, Bashkir ASSR. He is the only pianist ever to win the top prizes at both the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow and the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition. A graduate of the Moscow Conservatory where he studied with Aleksey Nasedkin, Vladimir Ovchinnikov is resident professor of piano at the Moscow Conservatory and guest professor of piano at Sakuyo University in Japan. He was awarded second place in the Montreal International Music Competition in 1980. In 1982, he was awarded joint second prize with Peter Donohoe in the International Tchaikovsky Competition. In 1987, he was awarded first prize at the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition. In 2005, he received Russia's highest award and honor for musicians: the title "National Artist of Russia", awarded by the Russian president. In March 2011 he served as chairman of the jury of the 9th International Russian Rotary Children Music Competition and in April 2011 he was named director of the Central Music School of the Moscow Conservatory. 

January 2nd, 1958 in Belebey (Age 66)