Celebrated Russian pianist Nikolai Petrov has died at the age of 68.
The classical musician had been hospitalised in Moscow since suffering a stroke in May (11) and he passed away on Wednesday (03Aug11).
Petrov performed around the world from the early 1960s, appearing with the likes of the New York Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Symphony Orchestra, but he always returned to Russia and was a regular at the Moscow Conservatory.
Petrov, who is survived by his wife and daughter, is due to be laid to rest on Friday (05Aug11).