Robert Bates was born on May 15, 1985, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his mother being a pianist and his father a cellist. From a young age, Bates showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Bates received his formal music education at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied under the renowned pianist and teacher, Yoheved Kaplinsky. During his time at Juilliard, Bates won numerous awards and competitions, including the prestigious Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition in 2006. After graduating from Juilliard, Bates began his professional career as a concert pianist, performing in major concert halls around the world. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented and dynamic pianists of his generation, known for his virtuosic technique and passionate interpretations of classical music. One of Bates' most memorable performances was at the 2008 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow, where he was awarded the Silver Medal. His performance of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 was hailed as a triumph, with critics praising his "dazzling technique" and "emotional depth." In addition to his solo performances, Bates has also collaborated with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has worked with many of the world's most renowned conductors, including Daniel Barenboim, Simon Rattle, and Valery Gergiev. Bates has also recorded several critically acclaimed albums, including a complete cycle of Beethoven's piano sonatas and a collection of Chopin's nocturnes. His recordings have been praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, with critics noting his ability to bring out the subtleties and nuances of the music. Throughout his career, Bates has received numerous awards and honors, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Gilmore Young Artist Award. He has also been a frequent guest on radio and television programs, including NPR's "Performance Today" and PBS's "Live from Lincoln Center." Despite his success, Bates remains dedicated to his craft and continues to push himself to new heights as a musician. He is known for his tireless work ethic and his commitment to excellence, and he is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and talented pianists of his generation.

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