Sofya Gulyak (1979) is a distinguished classical pianist renowned for her exceptional artistry and technical prowess. She began her musical education at a Special Music College under Nailya Khakimova and continued at the Kazan State Conservatoire with Professor Elfiya Burnasheva. Further honing her skills, Gulyak studied under Boris Petrushansky at the Piano Academy “Incontri col Maestro” in Imola, Italy, and later with Vanessa Latarche at the Royal College of Music in London, where she earned an Artist Diploma in Performance in 2011.

In 2009, Gulyak made history as the first woman to win First Prize and the Princess Mary Gold Medal at the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition. Her accolades also include top prizes at the William Kapell International Piano Competition (USA), the Helsinki Maj Lind International Piano Competition, the Tivoli Piano Competition (Copenhagen), the Gyeongnam International Piano Competition (South Korea), and the Allegro Vivo International Piano Competition (San Marino).

Gulyak has graced many of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, including La Scala in Milan, Wigmore Hall in London, and the Konzerthaus in Berlin. She has performed with esteemed orchestras such as the London Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Hallé, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Budapest Philharmonic, Orchestre National de France, and Shanghai Philharmonic. Her collaborations with renowned conductors like Mark Elder, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Sakari Oramo, Donald Runnicles, and Vasily Petrenko have earned critical acclaim.

Her discography is notable for its depth and artistry. Her 2013 recording of Russian piano music on Champs Hill Records received a five-star review in Diapason magazine and praise from Gramophone and The Guardian. Her 2015 all-Brahms CD on Piano Classics led the American Record Guide to draw comparisons with the young Martha Argerich, and Fanfaremagazine hailed her as “a natural Brahmsian, whatever his moods.” Her latest CD of piano chaconnes was lauded by The Arts Desk as “a fascinating collection, superbly realised and beautifully recorded.”

In addition to her performance career, Gulyak is a dedicated educator. She has served as a professor of piano at the Royal College of Music in London and, as of 2023, holds a faculty position at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Her commitment to teaching, combined with her international acclaim as a performer, makes her a significant figure in the world of classical music.