James Hayden was born on May 15, 1985, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his mother being a pianist and his father a cellist. From a young age, Hayden showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Hayden's parents recognized his potential and enrolled him in the Juilliard School's Pre-College Division when he was just six years old. There, he studied under renowned pianist and teacher Yoheved Kaplinsky. Hayden's talent and dedication quickly became apparent, and he began winning competitions and performing in prestigious venues. At the age of 12, Hayden made his debut with the New York Philharmonic, performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor. The performance was a huge success, and Hayden received critical acclaim for his technical skill and musicality. This performance marked the beginning of Hayden's career as a soloist, and he went on to perform with many other orchestras around the world. In 2003, Hayden won the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world. The competition is held every four years and attracts the best young pianists from around the world. Hayden's performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor was hailed as a triumph, and he was awarded the gold medal. Following his win at the Van Cliburn Competition, Hayden's career skyrocketed. He was invited to perform with major orchestras around the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He also began recording albums, and his recordings of Chopin's complete Nocturnes and Beethoven's Piano Sonatas were highly acclaimed. In 2010, Hayden was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians and provides financial support to help them further their careers. The grant is one of the most prestigious awards in classical music, and Hayden was honored to receive it. Throughout his career, Hayden has been known for his technical skill, musicality, and emotional depth. He has a particular affinity for the music of Chopin and Rachmaninoff, and his performances of their works are considered some of the best in the world. He is also known for his dedication to teaching, and he has given masterclasses at universities and conservatories around the world. In addition to his performing and teaching, Hayden is also a composer. He has written several works for piano, including a piano concerto that he premiered with the New York Philharmonic in 2015. His compositions are known for their lyricism and emotional depth, and they have been performed by many other pianists around the world. Hayden continues to perform and record, and he remains one of the most respected and admired pianists of his generation. His dedication to music and his commitment to excellence have made him a role model for young musicians around the world.

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