Park University International Center for Music Violinist Appointed to Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Post

February 25, 2025 — Ilkhom Mukhiddinov, a violin student in Park University’s International Center for Music, was recently appointed to the first violin section of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Mukhiddinov, a 2023 Park graduate with a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance, is currently seeking a graduate certificate in music performance under the tutelage of world-renowned violinist Ben Sayevich.

Since 2012, Mukhiddinov has been named a prize winner at more than 10 competitions and festivals, including first prize at the 2021 Hellam Young Artist Competition (Springfield, Mo.), first prize of the strings division at the 2022 Naftzger Young Artists Auditions and Music Awards in Wichita, Kan., and finalist and jury special mention award at the 2022 Leonid Kogan International Competition in Brussels.

The Uzbekistan-born Mukhiddinov has won acclaim for his high professionalism and extraordinary technical abilities, offering fresh interpretations of standard and contemporary repertoire. A native of Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, Mukhiddinov began his studies at the Uspensky Specialized Music Lyceum and debuted with the Uspensky Symphony Orchestra at the age of 7.

Manfred Honeck, PSO music director, said, “(Ilkhom’s) exceptional artistry and dedication to music makes (him) an outstanding addition to our PSO family. Every musician in this orchestra brings passion and excellence to the stage, and (his) appointment reflects not only Ilkhom’s remarkable talent, but also the high musical standards that define the Pittsburgh Symphony. I look forward to the energy and artistry (he) will contribute in the years to come.”

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, now in its 129th season, will begin its 2025-26 season in September with performances at Heinz Hall, as well as a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York in December. For more information about the PSO, visit pittsburghsymphony.org.