Berj Garabedian was a renowned classical music artist who was born on May 15, 1948, in Beirut, Lebanon. He was the youngest of three siblings and grew up in a family that valued education and music. His father was a businessman, and his mother was a homemaker who loved to sing and play the piano. Berj showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He was a natural talent and quickly progressed, impressing his family and friends with his skills. His parents recognized his potential and enrolled him in music lessons with a local teacher. At the age of 12, Berj's family moved to the United States, settling in Los Angeles, California. He continued his music education, studying under renowned pianist and teacher, Rosina Lhevinne. She recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Berj attended the University of Southern California, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. He continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance. After completing his studies, Berj began his career as a concert pianist, performing in recitals and with orchestras around the world. He quickly gained a reputation as a virtuoso pianist, known for his technical skill and emotional depth. One of Berj's most notable performances was at the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow in 1974. He was the first American pianist to compete in the prestigious competition, and he impressed the judges and audience with his performance of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1. Although he did not win the competition, he received critical acclaim and was invited to perform in concerts throughout Europe and Asia. Berj's career continued to flourish throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He performed with major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also recorded several albums, including a highly acclaimed recording of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the London Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his performing career, Berj was also a dedicated teacher. He taught at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the University of Southern California. He was known for his patient and encouraging teaching style, and many of his students went on to successful careers in music. Berj received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1980, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. He was also a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalist Fellowship and the Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship. Despite his success, Berj remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to perform and teach until his death on June 22, 2005, at the age of 57. He was remembered by his colleagues and students as a brilliant musician and a kind and generous person. In conclusion, Berj Garabedian was a gifted pianist and teacher who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His technical skill and emotional depth were admired by audiences and critics alike, and his dedication to teaching inspired generations of young musicians. He will be remembered as one of the great pianists of his generation.

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