Anthony Kondo is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of music. Born on May 12, 1985, in Tokyo, Japan, Kondo showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. His parents, who were both music enthusiasts, recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Kondo's early years were spent studying music at the Yamaha Music School in Tokyo. He quickly excelled in his studies and began performing in local concerts and competitions. At the age of 12, Kondo won first prize in the Yamaha Music Competition, which marked the beginning of his professional career. In 2003, Kondo moved to the United States to attend the Juilliard School in New York City. There, he studied under the tutelage of renowned pianist Emanuel Ax and earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 2007. During his time at Juilliard, Kondo won several awards, including the Gina Bachauer Piano Scholarship and the Arthur Rubinstein Prize. After graduating from Juilliard, Kondo continued his studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich, Germany. There, he studied under the guidance of pianist Gerhard Oppitz and earned his Master of Music degree in 2009. Kondo's time in Germany allowed him to expand his repertoire and perform in several concerts throughout Europe. Kondo's career took off in 2010 when he won the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The competition, which is held every four years in Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world. Kondo's performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor impressed the judges and earned him first prize. Following his win at the Van Cliburn Competition, Kondo's career skyrocketed. He began performing in major concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Kondo's performances were praised for their technical precision and emotional depth. In addition to his solo performances, Kondo has collaborated with several renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has also worked with several notable conductors, including Gustavo Dudamel, Simon Rattle, and Valery Gergiev. Kondo's repertoire is vast and includes works by some of the most celebrated composers in history, including Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart. He is particularly known for his interpretations of Rachmaninoff's works, which he has performed in several concerts and recordings. Throughout his career, Kondo has received numerous awards and accolades. In addition to his win at the Van Cliburn Competition, he has won the International Tchaikovsky Competition, the International Chopin Piano Competition, and the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition. He has also been awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Gilmore Artist Award, which are both prestigious awards given to outstanding musicians. Kondo's recordings have also received critical acclaim. His recording of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the London Symphony Orchestra was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2013. He has also recorded several solo albums, including "Chopin: The Complete Nocturnes" and "Rachmaninoff: Piano Sonata No. 2." In addition to his performing career, Kondo is also a dedicated teacher.

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