Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Rena Kyriakou was a Greek classical pianist who was born on January 1, 1917, in Athens, Greece. She was the daughter of a prominent Greek family, and her father was a well-known lawyer. Rena showed an early interest in music, and her parents encouraged her to pursue her passion. At the age of six, Rena began taking piano lessons with the renowned Greek pianist, Maria Kalkani. She quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument, and by the age of ten, she had given her first public performance. Rena continued to study with Kalkani, and by the age of 16, she had won several national piano competitions. In 1935, Rena traveled to Paris to study at the École Normale de Musique de Paris. She studied under the tutelage of Alfred Cortot, one of the most famous pianists of the time. Rena's time in Paris was a turning point in her career, and she quickly gained recognition as a talented pianist. In 1937, Rena returned to Greece and began performing in concerts throughout the country. She quickly gained a reputation as one of the best pianists in Greece, and her performances were highly praised by critics and audiences alike. In 1940, Rena married the Greek composer and conductor, Nikos Skalkottas. The couple had two children together, but their marriage was short-lived, and they divorced in 1945. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Rena continued to perform in concerts throughout Greece and Europe. She also began teaching piano at the Athens Conservatory, where she remained a professor until her retirement in 1982. One of Rena's most notable performances was in 1955, when she performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Herbert von Karajan. The performance was highly acclaimed, and Rena was praised for her technical skill and emotional depth. In 1960, Rena was awarded the Athens Academy Award for her contributions to Greek music. She was also awarded the Order of the Phoenix, one of Greece's highest honors, in recognition of her achievements in the field of music. Rena continued to perform and teach throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and she remained a beloved figure in the Greek music community. In 1982, she retired from teaching and began to focus on her own performances. In 1985, Rena was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Phoenix, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Greek citizen. She was also awarded the French Legion of Honor in recognition of her contributions to the arts. Rena continued to perform until her death on December 6, 1994, at the age of 77. She was remembered as one of the greatest pianists of her time, and her legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

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