Victor Santiago Asuncion is a renowned classical pianist who has made a name for himself in the world of music. Born in the Philippines, Asuncion began his musical journey at a young age, showing a natural talent for the piano. He was born on August 17, 1970, in Manila, Philippines. Asuncion's parents recognized his talent early on and encouraged him to pursue music. He began taking piano lessons at the age of six and quickly progressed, winning his first competition at the age of nine. Asuncion continued to study music throughout his childhood and teenage years, eventually earning a Bachelor of Music degree from the Philippine Women's University. After completing his studies in the Philippines, Asuncion moved to the United States to further his education. He earned a Master of Music degree from the Julliard School in New York City, where he studied under the renowned pianist Jerome Lowenthal. Asuncion also studied with other notable pianists, including Leon Fleisher and Menahem Pressler. Asuncion's talent and dedication to his craft quickly became apparent, and he began to receive recognition for his performances. In 1999, he won the gold medal at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition in Salt Lake City, Utah. This prestigious award helped to launch Asuncion's career and led to many opportunities to perform around the world. Asuncion has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Manila Symphony Orchestra, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Utah Symphony Orchestra, and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also performed in many of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Salle Cortot in Paris. In addition to his performances as a soloist, Asuncion is also an accomplished chamber musician. He has collaborated with many of the world's leading musicians, including violinist Joshua Bell, cellist Lynn Harrell, and clarinetist Richard Stoltzman. Asuncion is a founding member of the Philippine Chamber Music Society, which promotes classical music in the Philippines and around the world. Asuncion is also a dedicated teacher, and he has taught at many of the world's leading music schools, including the Julliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the University of British Columbia. He is currently a professor of piano at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore. Throughout his career, Asuncion has received many awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 2010, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit by the President of the Philippines for his achievements in music. He has also been recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in the Philippines and the Philippine-American Society for his contributions to the arts. Asuncion's dedication to his craft and his passion for classical music have made him one of the most respected pianists of his generation. His performances are known for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, and he continues to inspire audiences around the world with his music.

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