Matitiahu Braun was born on December 22, 1951, in Jerusalem, Israel. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a violinist and his mother a pianist. From a young age, Braun showed a natural talent for music and began studying the cello at the age of six. Braun's early musical education was at the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem, where he studied with renowned cellist Uzi Wiesel. He continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied with Leonard Rose and Channing Robbins. Braun's career as a cellist began in the 1970s, when he joined the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. He quickly established himself as a talented musician and was soon performing as a soloist with the orchestra. In 1976, he won first prize at the Pablo Casals International Cello Competition in Budapest, Hungary, which launched his international career. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Braun performed as a soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors, including Zubin Mehta, Daniel Barenboim, and Claudio Abbado. One of Braun's most memorable performances was his 1987 performance of the Elgar Cello Concerto with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance was recorded and released on CD, and it remains one of the definitive recordings of the piece. Braun was also a dedicated chamber musician and was a founding member of the Israel Piano Trio. The trio performed together for over 20 years and recorded several acclaimed albums. In addition to his performing career, Braun was also a respected teacher. He taught at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music at Tel Aviv University. Many of his students went on to have successful careers as musicians. Braun's playing was characterized by its warmth, lyricism, and technical precision. He was known for his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music he played, and his performances were often described as deeply moving. Braun's career was tragically cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2000. He continued to perform and teach throughout his illness, but he passed away on January 25, 2002, at the age of 50. In recognition of his contributions to the world of classical music, Braun was posthumously awarded the Israel Prize in 2003, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an individual in Israel. The prize was awarded in the field of music, and it recognized Braun's "outstanding contribution to the development of Israeli music and his exceptional achievements as a cellist and musician." Matitiahu Braun's legacy lives on through his recordings, his students, and the many musicians who were inspired by his playing. He remains one of the most beloved and respected cellists of his generation, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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