Birth

:

in Chicago, IL

 

Marta Aznavoorian is a renowned classical pianist who has captivated audiences around the world with her virtuosic performances and deep musicality. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1978, Aznavoorian began playing the piano at the age of three and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Her parents, both of Armenian descent, recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Aznavoorian's early musical education was guided by her mother, who was a piano teacher. She studied at the Music Institute of Chicago and later attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree. She continued her studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she received a Master of Music degree. Throughout her education, Aznavoorian was recognized for her exceptional talent and received numerous awards and honors. She won first prize in the 1993 Stravinsky Awards International Piano Competition and was a finalist in the 1996 Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition. She was also a recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant in 2005, which recognizes outstanding young musicians who show great potential for a successful career in classical music. Aznavoorian's career as a professional pianist began in earnest in the late 1990s, when she began performing regularly with orchestras and in solo recitals. She quickly gained a reputation as a dynamic and expressive performer, with a particular talent for interpreting the works of Romantic composers such as Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. One of Aznavoorian's most notable performances came in 2002, when she was invited to perform at the White House for President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. She played a program of works by Chopin, Liszt, and Gershwin, and received a standing ovation from the audience. In addition to her solo performances, Aznavoorian has also collaborated with many other musicians and ensembles. She has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra, among others. She has also worked with many renowned conductors, including Leonard Slatkin, James Conlon, and Marin Alsop. Aznavoorian is also an active chamber musician, and has performed with many of the world's leading string quartets and other ensembles. She is a founding member of the Lincoln Trio, a Chicago-based ensemble that has won numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. The trio has been praised for its "soulful and blazing" performances, and has been featured on many radio and television programs. Aznavoorian's recordings have also received critical acclaim. She has recorded several solo albums, including a highly praised recording of works by Chopin and Liszt. She has also recorded with the Lincoln Trio, and their album "Notable Women" was named one of the top classical recordings of 2009 by the Chicago Tribune. Throughout her career, Aznavoorian has been committed to promoting classical music and music education. She has served as a faculty member at several music schools and conservatories, including the Music Institute of Chicago and the University of Notre Dame. She has also been involved in many outreach programs, bringing classical music to underserved communities and schools. In recognition of her contributions to the world of classical music, Aznavoorian has received many awards and honors.

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