��Ƶ School of Music Professor Dmitri Vorobiev wins Teaching Award from UNC Board

��Ƶ alumnus and Professor of Piano Dmitri “Dima” Vorobiev has been named recipient of a 2025 University of North Carolina (UNC) Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching. He joined the ��Ƶ School of Music faculty in 2017 and currently serves as artistic director of the ��Ƶ Chamber Music Festival.  

Vorobiev is one of representing all 16 of North Carolina’s public universities and the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics chosen to receive the awards. Recipients were nominated by special committees at each institution; selected by the Board of Governors Committee on Educational Planning, Policies, and Programs; and announced Jan. 31.

“As a former educator, I have the deepest appreciation for our university professors and their commitment to our students,” said UNC Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy. “These talented faculty have dedicated their lives to mentoring and supporting our students, and we are grateful for their service. Congratulations to all on these awards.”

Dmitri Vorobiev

“Soon after Dmitri Vorobiev graduated in 1996 from ��Ƶ, where he studied with the incredible Eric Larsen, he was launched onto the world stage by winning numerous international competitions,” said Chancellor Brian Cole. “Modeling his mentor, Dima cares deeply not only about the professional success of his students, but their personal happiness and welfare as well. He is, simply, an inspiration. We are indeed fortunate he returned to his alma mater to give back to the next generation of musicians.”

Each of the Excellence in Teaching Award winners will receive a commemorative bronze medallion and a $12,500 cash prize and will be honored at each of their institutions at a future date. The awards were established by the Board of Governors in 1993 to highlight the importance of teaching and to recognize the extraordinary contributions of faculty members systemwide. 

Dmitri Vorobiev, Watson Hall 2022 / Photo: Wayne Reich

About Vorobiev 

Having begun his piano studies at the age of 5, Vorobiev first came to international attention after winning the Casagrande International Piano Competition in Italy in 1994. He has been a major prizewinner in the Busoni, Cincinnati World, Ibla Grand Prize, A.M.A. Calabria, Iowa and Alabama international piano competitions. In 2000, he placed first while earning three special prizes at the UNISA International Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Africa, and in 2003 won the first prize in the New Orleans International Piano Competition.

He has appeared as a soloist with Cape Town Symphony Orchestra, Pretoria Chamber Orchestra, Durban Symphony, Terni Philharmonic, Manhattan School of Music Symphony, Winston-Salem Symphony and Western Piedmont Symphony. His solo recitals have taken him throughout the United States, Israel, Russia, Germany, Czech Republic, Ireland and South Africa.  

Vorobiev maintains a dynamic concert schedule, currently focused on performing the complete solo piano works by Ludwig van Beethoven. An acclaimed soloist, he is also an active chamber music player. A recording artist with the Blue Griffin label, Vorobiev is presently working on a double CD set with lesser-known works by Beethoven.  �į�į

Vorobiev holds a European High School Diploma from the Music School and Music College of the Moscow State Conservatory (Russia); a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from ��Ƶ, where he studied with the late faculty emeritus Eric Larsen; a Master of Music in piano from the Manhattan School of Music; and a Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance from the University of Michigan.

Nominations came from his students and alumni, who wrote about the life-changing experience that they have had studying with him. They referenced his “stern yet kind heart,” his ability to “always go the extra mile to help out whenever he can,” and his presence as “a hard-working individual who cares about much more than profit.”  

One student said there is one memory of Vorobiev that stands out – when the student asked how he finds happiness. Vorobiev’s answer: “I love what I do, I love my studio, I love my family, I love music. What more could I ask for?” The student concluded: “He is a man I look up to more than anyone. A mentor, a father, and simply, a kindred soul.”  

Last month, six permanent faculty members and one adjunct faculty member at ��Ƶ were named winners of the ��Ƶ Excellence in Teaching Awards for 2024-25, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Patrick J. Sims announced.

Permanent faculty members selected were: Maggie Anderson, School of Drama; Holland Berson, School of Design and Production; Nikki Hyde, School of Design and Production; Bethany Anne Kibler, Division of Liberal Arts; Reagan Patrick Mitchell, Division of Liberal Arts; and Vorobiev. The adjunct faculty member selected was Robert Rocco, School of Music. 

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February 04, 2025

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