Roberta Hickman was born on May 12, 1985, in New York City. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her mother being a pianist and her father a cellist. From a young age, Hickman showed a natural talent for music and began taking piano lessons at the age of four. As she grew older, Hickman's love for music continued to flourish, and she began to explore other instruments. She started playing the violin at the age of eight and the cello at the age of ten. By the time she was in high school, Hickman was proficient in all three instruments and was already performing in local orchestras and chamber groups. After graduating from high school, Hickman attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied piano, violin, and cello. She excelled in all three instruments and was soon recognized as one of the most promising young musicians of her generation. Hickman's career as a classical musician began to take off in the early 2000s. She made her debut as a solo pianist with the New York Philharmonic in 2002, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3. The performance was a huge success, and Hickman was praised for her technical skill and musicality. Over the next few years, Hickman continued to perform as a soloist with orchestras around the world. She also began to focus more on chamber music, forming a trio with two other Juilliard graduates. The trio quickly gained a reputation for their dynamic performances and innovative programming. In 2008, Hickman was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, one of the most prestigious awards for young classical musicians. The grant provided her with financial support and helped to raise her profile in the classical music world. Hickman's career continued to flourish in the following years. She performed at major music festivals around the world, including the Salzburg Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival. She also made several recordings, including a critically acclaimed album of Beethoven's piano sonatas. In 2015, Hickman was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center Honors, a prestigious event that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture. She performed a solo piano piece by George Gershwin, earning a standing ovation from the audience. Throughout her career, Hickman has been praised for her technical skill, musicality, and versatility. She is known for her ability to perform with equal proficiency on piano, violin, and cello, and for her innovative programming that combines classical works with contemporary music. Today, Hickman continues to perform as a soloist and chamber musician, and she is also a dedicated teacher and mentor to young musicians. She is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile classical musicians of her generation, and her contributions to the world of classical music are sure to be remembered for years to come.

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