Sodi Braide is a Nigerian-born classical pianist who has made a name for himself in the international music scene. Born on December 12, 1985, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Braide showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. His parents, who were both educators, recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue his passion for music. Braide's early musical education was in Nigeria, where he studied with local teachers and participated in various music competitions. He won several awards and accolades, including the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited Scholarship for the Performing Arts, which enabled him to study music at the MUSON School of Music in Lagos. In 2005, Braide moved to the United States to further his musical education. He enrolled at the University of North Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. While at UNT, Braide studied with renowned pianist Pamela Mia Paul and won several awards, including the prestigious Concerto Competition, which allowed him to perform with the university's symphony orchestra. After completing his undergraduate studies, Braide continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance. While at Michigan, he studied with renowned pianist Logan Skelton and won several awards, including the Earl V. Moore Award for Excellence in Piano Performance. Braide's talent and hard work paid off when he won the 2010 Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholarship, which enabled him to study at the Royal College of Music in London. While at the RCM, Braide studied with renowned pianist Vanessa Latarche and earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Piano Performance. Since completing his studies, Braide has established himself as a sought-after pianist, performing in major concert halls around the world. He has performed with several orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He has also given solo recitals in major cities, including London, Paris, New York, and Tokyo. Braide's performances have been praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. He is known for his ability to bring out the nuances and subtleties of the music he plays, whether it is a classical masterpiece or a contemporary work. His repertoire is diverse, ranging from Bach and Beethoven to Rachmaninoff and Ravel. In addition to his performing career, Braide is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at several institutions, including the Royal College of Music and the University of North Texas. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of musicians and helping them develop their own unique voices. Braide's talent and hard work have been recognized with several awards and accolades. In addition to the scholarships he has received, he has won several competitions, including the Dallas International Piano Competition and the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholarship Competition. He has also been a finalist in several other competitions, including the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Leeds International Piano Competition. Braide's recordings have also received critical acclaim. His debut album, "Bach to the Future," was released in 2015 and features his interpretations of Bach's Goldberg Variations and Beethoven's Sonata No. 32.

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