Dmitri Timoshenko (b. 1987, Tallinn, Estonia)
Dmitri Timoshenko began his guitar studies at the age of 14. In Tallinn, he studied classical guitar under Tiit Peterson and jazz guitar with Mart Soo. Under their guidance, he attended the Georg Ots Music School (2004–2008). He then continued his studies at the Turku Arts Academy (Finland) with Timo Korhonen, earning his bachelor’s degree in pedagogy in the spring of 2013. In 2016, he graduated from the Geneva University of Music, where he studied guitar and composition with Dušan Bogdanović.
Timoshenko’s repertoire spans from Renaissance lute works to contemporary music, including his own compositions. He has commissioned and performed works by contemporary Estonian composers such as Riho Esko Maimets and Vsevolod Pozdejev.
To refine his artistry, he has participated in masterclasses with world-renowned musicians, including Oscar Ghiglia, Leo Brouwer, Ismo Eskelinen, Jyrki Myllärinen, Ricardo Gallén, Raphaella Smits, and Elena Papandreou.
He has performed at festivals in Finland, Estonia, Belgium, the UK, and Switzerland, both as a soloist and in collaboration with other musicians and artists, including guitarists, singers, dancers, and circus performers. He has shared the stage with Ismo Eskelinen and Jyrki Myllärinen and has appeared on Estonian television and radio, occasionally giving interviews for newspapers.
Timoshenko plays a spruce-top Brazilian rosewood guitar crafted by Keijo Korelin (Finland). He currently teaches guitar and composition at Old Town Educational College.
Timoshenko as a Composer
“Composition, whether it stretches the mind or not, takes us on that crucial journey into our own imagination, which is one of man’s greatest experiences.”
— Reginald Smith Brindle
Since 2014, Dmitri has devoted more time to composition, creating music for theatrical productions, dance performances, music festivals, slide shows, and animated films. His influences range from Renaissance and modern music to traditional folk music from various cultures, including those of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India. By integrating these diverse elements, he has developed a distinctive compositional voice.
He has studied orchestration and composition under esteemed professionals and continues to refine his craft.
Dmitri envisions his music serving three key purposes:
- Educational – Offering insights into distant places, cultures, and historical connections.
- Thought-provoking – Providing material for reflection and discussion.
- Aesthetic enjoyment – Creating music that can be appreciated for its beauty, whether for relaxation, dancing, sports, reading, meditation, or contemplation.
He has been awarded grants from the Estonian Cultural Foundation and the Swiss Government.
Reviews
Solo concert in London, UK, October 2012:
“Dmitri Timoshenko showed the most sustained and intense concentration I have seen in a long time. His performance (for the Ealing Guitar Society, London UK) was characterized by a flawless execution of the structure and melodies of the pieces on the program. His ability to play the full spectrum of colors with perfect right hand placement showed an astonishing level of experience beyond his years.”
Steve Dell, Ealing Guitar Society, London, UK
“Timoshenko’s guitar art is a combination of a sense of form and style, as well as gestures and virtuosity. He seems to have a very analytical view of the works he presents.”
Vesa Teittinen, guitarist.
“Skillful musicianship that takes you from one atmosphere to another, a virtuosity that captivates the audience.”
Maria Tennilä, office secretary/cultural activities, Sallan kulttuuri ja vapaa-aika