Elizabeth Claassen was born on May 12, 1985, in Berlin, Germany. She was born into a family of musicians, with both her parents being professional classical musicians. Her father was a cellist, and her mother was a pianist. Elizabeth grew up surrounded by music and started playing the piano at the age of four. Elizabeth's parents recognized her talent early on and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. She started taking piano lessons with her mother and later with other renowned pianists in Germany. Elizabeth's talent and dedication to music were evident from a young age, and she quickly became a prodigy. At the age of 12, Elizabeth won her first international piano competition in Paris, France. This was a significant achievement for her, and it marked the beginning of her career as a professional pianist. Elizabeth continued to participate in various competitions and won several awards throughout her teenage years. In 2003, Elizabeth was accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. She moved to the United States to pursue her studies and received a full scholarship to attend the school. At Juilliard, Elizabeth studied under the guidance of renowned pianists and teachers, including Yoheved Kaplinsky and Emanuel Ax. During her time at Juilliard, Elizabeth participated in several competitions and won numerous awards. In 2006, she won the Juilliard Concerto Competition, which gave her the opportunity to perform with the Juilliard Orchestra at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall. This was a significant achievement for Elizabeth, and it helped her gain recognition as a rising star in the classical music world. After graduating from Juilliard in 2007, Elizabeth started performing professionally. She made her debut at Carnegie Hall in 2008, where she performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the New York Youth Symphony. This was a significant milestone in her career, and it helped her gain more exposure as a pianist. Over the years, Elizabeth has performed with several orchestras and chamber ensembles around the world. She has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Sydney Opera House. Elizabeth has also collaborated with several renowned conductors, including Daniel Barenboim, Zubin Mehta, and Simon Rattle. Elizabeth's repertoire is vast and includes works by some of the most celebrated composers in classical music, including Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. She is known for her technical prowess and her ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music she plays. In addition to her performances, Elizabeth is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at several music schools and universities, including the Manhattan School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Elizabeth is passionate about passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of musicians. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2010, she was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to outstanding young musicians who show exceptional talent and promise. Elizabeth was also named a Steinway Artist in 2012, which is a significant honor in the classical music world. In conclusion, Elizabeth Claassen is a talented and accomplished pianist who has made a significant impact in the classical music world.

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