Noreen Cassidy-Polera is a renowned classical pianist and educator, known for her virtuosic performances and dedication to promoting the works of contemporary composers. Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1963, Cassidy-Polera began playing the piano at the age of four and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She went on to study at the New England Conservatory of Music, where she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in piano performance. Throughout her career, Cassidy-Polera has been recognized for her exceptional musicianship and dedication to the art of classical piano. She has won numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Naumburg International Piano Competition in 1986, which launched her career as a soloist. She has also been a finalist in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Leeds International Piano Competition, among others. Cassidy-Polera has performed as a soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. She has also collaborated with some of the most celebrated conductors of our time, including Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, and Sir Simon Rattle. In addition to her work as a soloist, Cassidy-Polera is also a dedicated chamber musician. She has performed with many of the world's leading ensembles, including the Emerson String Quartet, the Borromeo String Quartet, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. She is also a founding member of the Boston Chamber Music Society, which has been praised for its innovative programming and commitment to contemporary music. Cassidy-Polera is known for her passionate advocacy of contemporary music, and has premiered works by many of today's leading composers. She has worked closely with composers such as John Harbison, Joan Tower, and Augusta Read Thomas, and has recorded several albums of contemporary piano music. Her recordings have been praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, and have earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following. In addition to her performing career, Cassidy-Polera is also a dedicated educator. She has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the New England Conservatory of Music, the Longy School of Music, and the Boston University School of Music. She is currently the Chair of the Piano Department at Boston University, where she has been praised for her innovative teaching methods and commitment to nurturing the next generation of classical musicians. Throughout her career, Cassidy-Polera has been recognized for her exceptional musicianship and dedication to the art of classical piano. She has won numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Naumburg International Piano Competition in 1986, which launched her career as a soloist. She has also been a finalist in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Leeds International Piano Competition, among others. Cassidy-Polera's performances are characterized by their technical brilliance, emotional depth, and passionate commitment to the music. She is known for her ability to bring out the unique qualities of each piece she plays, and for her ability to connect with audiences on a deep and personal level. Her performances have been praised for their clarity, precision, and musicality, and she is widely regarded as one of the most talented and accomplished pianists of her generation.

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