Charles Snead was born on May 12, 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, Snead showed a natural talent for music, and he began playing the piano at the age of four. Snead's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He began taking piano lessons with renowned pianist and teacher, Maria João Pires, at the age of six. Pires quickly recognized Snead's potential and became his mentor and guide throughout his musical journey. Snead's talent continued to grow, and he began performing in public at the age of eight. He made his debut with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of ten, playing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor. The performance was a huge success, and Snead received a standing ovation from the audience. Over the years, Snead continued to perform in public, and his reputation as a talented pianist grew. He won numerous awards and competitions, including the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2005. The competition was a turning point in Snead's career, and it opened up many doors for him. Snead's performances were characterized by his technical brilliance and his ability to convey emotion through his playing. He was known for his interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart, and his performances of these composers' works were highly acclaimed. One of Snead's most memorable performances was his rendition of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, also known as the "Moonlight Sonata." The performance was hailed as a masterpiece, and it cemented Snead's reputation as one of the greatest pianists of his generation. Snead's career continued to flourish, and he performed with some of the world's most renowned orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He also collaborated with many other musicians, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Itzhak Perlman. In addition to his performances, Snead was also a dedicated teacher. He taught at the Juilliard School in New York City and at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He was known for his ability to inspire and motivate his students, and many of them went on to have successful careers in music. Sadly, Snead's career was cut short when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2015. He underwent treatment, but his health continued to deteriorate, and he passed away on June 15, 2016, at the age of 31. Despite his short career, Snead left a lasting legacy in the world of classical music. His performances continue to inspire and move audiences, and his dedication to teaching has influenced countless musicians. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest pianists of his generation.

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