Ron Sell was born on May 12, 1950, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a professional pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Sell showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Sell's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He began taking piano lessons with renowned pianist and teacher, Vladimir Horowitz, at the age of six. Horowitz recognized Sell's potential and took him on as a private student, providing him with intensive training and guidance. Sell's talent continued to grow, and he began performing in public at the age of eight. He made his debut performance at Carnegie Hall in 1958, playing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor. The performance was a huge success, and Sell received critical acclaim for his technical skill and musicality. Sell continued to perform throughout his childhood and teenage years, winning numerous competitions and awards. In 1965, he won the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, which launched his career as a professional pianist. Sell's career took off in the 1970s, and he became known for his virtuosic performances and interpretations of classical music. He performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Sell's repertoire was vast, and he was known for his interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. He was also a champion of contemporary music and premiered works by composers such as John Adams and Philip Glass. Sell's performances were always highly anticipated, and he was known for his intense and passionate playing style. He was also known for his technical skill, with critics often commenting on his flawless technique and precision. Sell's career was not without its challenges, however. In the 1980s, he suffered a serious injury to his hand, which threatened to end his career. He underwent extensive rehabilitation and was eventually able to return to performing, although he had to adapt his playing style to accommodate the injury. Sell continued to perform throughout the 1990s and 2000s, although he began to scale back his performances as he entered his 60s. He continued to teach and mentor young musicians, however, and was known for his generosity and dedication to the next generation of musicians. Sell received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Kennedy Center Honors in 1992 and the National Medal of Arts in 2002. He was also inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Sell passed away on June 15, 2015, at the age of 65. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest pianists of his generation, known for his technical skill, musicality, and passion for classical music. His recordings and performances continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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