Juan-Miguel Hernandez is a renowned classical music artist known for his exceptional skills as a violist. He was born on December 28, 1978, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at a young age. Hernandez began playing the violin at the age of four, but he later switched to the viola when he was 13 years old. He attended the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where he studied under the tutelage of David Holland, a renowned violist. Hernandez later went on to study at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree. After completing his studies, Hernandez began his professional career as a violist. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skills and was invited to perform with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the Cleveland Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. One of Hernandez's most notable performances was his solo debut with the Cleveland Orchestra in 2003. He performed the Walton Viola Concerto, which received critical acclaim from both the audience and the critics. Hernandez's performance was described as "mesmerizing" and "spellbinding," and it cemented his reputation as one of the most talented violists of his generation. In addition to his solo performances, Hernandez is also a sought-after chamber musician. He has collaborated with some of the world's most renowned musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Joshua Bell. Hernandez is a founding member of the Harlem Quartet, a string quartet that has won numerous awards and accolades for their performances. Hernandez has also been recognized for his contributions to the classical music industry. In 2005, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to outstanding instrumentalists who show great potential for a solo career. Hernandez was the first violist to receive this prestigious award. In addition to the Avery Fisher Career Grant, Hernandez has also received numerous other awards and honors throughout his career. He was a recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, which is given to outstanding classical musicians of color. Hernandez was also awarded the Pro Musicis International Award, which recognizes musicians who use their talents to promote social justice and community engagement. Despite his success, Hernandez remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He is passionate about promoting classical music to a wider audience and has worked with numerous organizations to bring classical music to underserved communities. Hernandez is also a dedicated teacher and has taught at several prestigious music schools, including the New England Conservatory of Music and the Juilliard School. In conclusion, Juan-Miguel Hernandez is a talented and accomplished classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the industry. His exceptional skills as a violist, combined with his passion for promoting classical music, have earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Hernandez's performances continue to captivate audiences around the world, and his dedication to his craft serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere.

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