Irene Peery-Fox is a renowned classical pianist and music educator who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Born on August 22, 1930, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Peery-Fox grew up in a family of musicians. Her father, Paul Pollei, was a pianist and music educator, and her mother, Edna Ballif Pollei, was a singer and pianist. Peery-Fox's siblings, including her sister, Pauline, and brother, Frank, were also accomplished musicians. Peery-Fox began playing the piano at the age of four, and by the time she was six, she was performing in public. She studied with her father, who was her primary teacher until she was 18. Peery-Fox then went on to study with renowned pianists such as Rosina Lhévinne, Sascha Gorodnitzki, and Rudolf Serkin. In 1952, Peery-Fox graduated from the Juilliard School in New York City with a Bachelor of Music degree. She then went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the University of Utah in 1954. Peery-Fox continued her studies at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, where she studied with Paul Badura-Skoda. Peery-Fox's career as a concert pianist began in the 1950s, and she quickly gained recognition for her exceptional talent. She made her debut with the Utah Symphony Orchestra in 1953, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3. She went on to perform with many other orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Peery-Fox's repertoire includes works by many of the great composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Mozart, and Schumann. She has also performed works by contemporary composers, including Aaron Copland and William Bolcom. In addition to her career as a concert pianist, Peery-Fox has also been a dedicated music educator. She has taught at the University of Utah, the University of Southern California, and the Peabody Conservatory of Music. She has also given master classes and workshops around the world. Peery-Fox has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1960, she was awarded the prestigious Naumburg Award, which is given to outstanding young musicians. She was also a recipient of the Utah Governor's Award for the Arts in 1987. In 2003, she was inducted into the Utah Music Hall of Fame. Peery-Fox has also been recognized for her contributions to music education. In 1999, she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Music Teachers National Association. She was also named the Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the Utah Music Teachers Association in 2000. Peery-Fox has been an inspiration to many musicians and music lovers around the world. Her dedication to music and music education has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. She continues to perform and teach, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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