John Stokes was born on May 12, 1985, in London, England. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a renowned classical pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, John showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. John's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He began taking formal piano lessons at the age of six and quickly progressed, impressing his teachers with his natural ability and dedication to the instrument. As a teenager, John began to explore other areas of classical music, including composition and conducting. He attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied piano performance, composition, and conducting. During his time at the Royal Academy of Music, John had the opportunity to work with some of the most renowned musicians in the world. He studied piano with Stephen Hough and composition with Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. He also had the opportunity to conduct the Royal Academy Symphony Orchestra, which was a highlight of his time at the school. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, John began to establish himself as a professional musician. He performed in concerts and recitals throughout the UK and Europe, earning critical acclaim for his technical skill and musicality. One of the highlights of John's early career was his performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 with the London Symphony Orchestra. The performance was hailed as a triumph, with critics praising John's interpretation of the piece and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music. In addition to his work as a pianist, John also began to gain recognition as a composer. His compositions were performed by orchestras and ensembles throughout the UK and Europe, and he was awarded several prestigious commissions, including a commission from the Royal Philharmonic Society. John's career continued to flourish in the years that followed. He performed in concerts and recitals around the world, earning a reputation as one of the most talented and versatile musicians of his generation. One of the highlights of John's career was his performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the New York Philharmonic. The performance was a critical and commercial success, with John receiving a standing ovation from the audience and glowing reviews from critics. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, John was also a dedicated teacher. He taught piano and composition at several prestigious music schools, including the Royal Academy of Music and the Juilliard School in New York. Throughout his career, John received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his services to music, and he was also awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant. John continued to perform and compose until his untimely death in 2015 at the age of 30. His legacy lives on through his recordings, compositions, and the countless musicians he inspired and mentored throughout his career.

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