Katja Zakotnik is a Slovenian classical music artist who has made a name for herself as a pianist, chamber musician, and educator. Born on May 22, 1981, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Zakotnik showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. She quickly demonstrated a natural talent for the instrument and began taking lessons with renowned Slovenian pianist Dubravka Tomšič Srebotnjak. Zakotnik's musical education continued at the Ljubljana Academy of Music, where she studied under the guidance of Professor Tatjana Ognjanović. During her time at the academy, Zakotnik won several awards and competitions, including the Prešeren Award, the highest student award in Slovenia, and the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholarship. After completing her studies at the academy, Zakotnik continued her education at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hannover, Germany, where she studied with Professor Arie Vardi. During her time in Germany, Zakotnik won several awards and competitions, including the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholarship and the International Piano Competition in Senigallia, Italy. Zakotnik's career as a professional musician began in 2005 when she won the prestigious International Piano Competition in Pinerolo, Italy. This victory launched her onto the international stage, and she quickly became known for her virtuosic performances and sensitive interpretations of classical music. Over the years, Zakotnik has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Konzerthaus, and the Carnegie Hall in New York. She has collaborated with many renowned musicians, including cellist Mischa Maisky, violinist Julian Rachlin, and pianist Boris Berezovsky. In addition to her career as a performer, Zakotnik is also a dedicated educator. She has taught at the Ljubljana Academy of Music and the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hannover, and she currently serves as a professor of piano at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria. Throughout her career, Zakotnik has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to classical music. In 2010, she was awarded the Prešeren Fund Award, the highest cultural award in Slovenia, for her outstanding achievements in the field of music. She has also been awarded the Župančič Award, the highest award for artistic achievements in Slovenia, and the Golden Order for Services, the highest award for services to the Republic of Slovenia. Zakotnik's discography includes several critically acclaimed recordings, including her debut album, "Chopin: The Complete Nocturnes," which was released in 2010. Her most recent album, "Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2," was released in 2019 and features Zakotnik performing with the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra. In conclusion, Katja Zakotnik is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the field of music. Her virtuosic performances and sensitive interpretations of classical music have earned her a reputation as one of the most talented pianists of her generation. Her dedication to education and her numerous awards and accolades demonstrate her commitment to excellence in all aspects of her career.

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