Roberta Zalkind is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music through her exceptional skills as a violist. Born in 1959 in New York City, Zalkind grew up in a family of musicians, which played a significant role in shaping her musical career. Zalkind's parents were both professional musicians, and her father was a violist in the New York Philharmonic. As a result, Zalkind was exposed to music from a young age and began playing the viola at the age of six. She received her early training from her father and later studied with Karen Tuttle, a renowned violist and teacher. Zalkind's talent as a violist was evident from a young age, and she quickly gained recognition for her exceptional skills. In 1977, she won the prestigious Young Concert Artists International Auditions, which marked the beginning of her professional career as a musician. Over the years, Zalkind has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. She has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, such as Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, and James Levine. One of the highlights of Zalkind's career was her performance of the Walton Viola Concerto with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1984. The performance was highly acclaimed, and Zalkind received widespread recognition for her exceptional interpretation of the piece. Zalkind has also been a dedicated chamber musician throughout her career and has performed with many renowned ensembles, including the Guarneri Quartet and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. She has also been a member of the Boston Symphony Chamber Players since 1985. In addition to her performing career, Zalkind has also been a dedicated teacher and has taught at many prestigious institutions, including the New England Conservatory of Music and the Tanglewood Music Center. She has also been a faculty member at the Peabody Conservatory of Music since 1998. Zalkind's exceptional skills as a violist have been recognized with many awards and honors over the years. In 1983, she was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is one of the most prestigious awards for young musicians in the United States. She was also a recipient of the Naumburg Viola Competition in 1981. Zalkind has also been recognized for her contributions to the world of music through her recordings. She has recorded extensively for many major labels, including Deutsche Grammophon, RCA, and Sony Classical. Her recordings have received critical acclaim and have been nominated for many awards, including the Grammy Award. In addition to her performing and teaching career, Zalkind has also been a dedicated advocate for the arts. She has served on the boards of many arts organizations, including the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the American Viola Society. In conclusion, Roberta Zalkind is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music through her exceptional skills as a violist. Her performances have been highly acclaimed, and she has received many awards and honors for her contributions to the world of music. Zalkind's dedication to teaching and advocacy for the arts have also made her a respected figure in the music community.

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