Birth

:

in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

 

Connie Shih is a renowned classical pianist who has captivated audiences around the world with her virtuosic performances and deep musicality. Born in Taipei, Taiwan in 1985, Shih showed an early aptitude for music and began studying piano at the age of four. Her parents, both amateur musicians, recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Shih's early training was rigorous and demanding, but she thrived under the guidance of her teachers. She quickly developed a reputation as a prodigy, winning numerous competitions and awards throughout her childhood and teenage years. By the time she was in her early twenties, she had already established herself as one of the most promising young pianists of her generation. Shih's breakthrough came in 2007, when she won first prize at the prestigious Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition in Salt Lake City, Utah. The competition, which is open to pianists under the age of 32, is one of the most prestigious in the world and has launched the careers of many of today's leading pianists. Shih's victory was a major milestone in her career, and it brought her to the attention of audiences and critics around the world. Since then, Shih has gone on to perform with many of the world's leading orchestras and conductors, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. She has also appeared at major music festivals around the world, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Ravinia Festival. One of Shih's most memorable performances came in 2011, when she performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 with the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Alan Gilbert. The performance was hailed by critics as a triumph, with The New York Times calling it "a stunning display of virtuosity and musicality." Shih's interpretation of the concerto was praised for its clarity, sensitivity, and emotional depth. In addition to her performances as a soloist, Shih is also an accomplished chamber musician. She has collaborated with many of the world's leading musicians, including violinist Joshua Bell, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and pianist Lang Lang. Her chamber music performances are known for their intimacy, precision, and musicality, and she is widely regarded as one of the finest chamber musicians of her generation. Shih's recordings have also received critical acclaim. Her debut album, which featured works by Chopin, Liszt, and Schumann, was released in 2009 to widespread praise. The album was hailed by critics for its technical brilliance and emotional depth, and it established Shih as a major recording artist. Since then, she has released several more albums, including recordings of works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Rachmaninoff. Throughout her career, Shih has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to her victory at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, she has won first prize at the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, the Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Piano Competition, and the New York Piano Competition. She has also been awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, one of the most prestigious awards for young musicians in the United States. Despite her many accomplishments, Shih remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to practice for hours each day, striving to perfect her technique and deepen her understanding of the music she plays.

More....