Irene Gubrud was born on May 12, 1985, in Moscow, Russia. Her parents were both musicians, and they encouraged her to pursue music from a young age. She began playing the piano at the age of four and showed a natural talent for the instrument. As a child, Irene studied at the Moscow Conservatory, one of the most prestigious music schools in the world. She quickly became known for her technical skill and musicality, and she won several competitions and awards during her time there. In 2003, Irene moved to the United States to continue her studies at the Juilliard School in New York City. She studied under some of the most renowned piano teachers in the world, including Emanuel Ax and Yoheved Kaplinsky. During her time at Juilliard, Irene continued to win awards and accolades for her playing. She won the school's concerto competition twice, and she was also a finalist in the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. After graduating from Juilliard in 2007, Irene began to establish herself as a soloist and chamber musician. She performed with orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. In addition to her solo work, Irene was also a member of several chamber music ensembles. She was a founding member of the Trio Solisti, a piano trio that was known for its innovative programming and virtuosic playing. Throughout her career, Irene was known for her technical precision and her ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music she played. She was particularly admired for her interpretations of the works of Chopin and Rachmaninoff, two composers who were close to her heart. In 2015, Irene was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. The grant recognized her as a rising star in the field and provided her with financial support to continue her career. Tragically, Irene's career was cut short when she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2017. She continued to perform and record despite her illness, and she remained an inspiration to her fans and colleagues until her death in 2019. Irene Gubrud's legacy lives on through her recordings and the memories of those who knew and loved her. She was a true artist, dedicated to her craft and passionate about sharing the beauty of classical music with the world.

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