Bob Finkenaur was born on May 12, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a musical family, with both his parents being accomplished musicians. His father was a pianist and his mother was a violinist. From a young age, Finkenaur showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Finkenaur's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue music seriously. He began taking piano lessons and quickly progressed, showing a natural aptitude for the instrument. By the age of ten, he was already performing in public, playing at local events and competitions. Finkenaur's talent continued to develop throughout his teenage years, and he began to explore other instruments as well. He learned to play the violin, cello, and guitar, and also began to compose his own music. He was particularly drawn to classical music, and spent many hours listening to recordings of the great composers. After graduating from high school, Finkenaur decided to pursue a career in music. He enrolled at the Juilliard School in New York City, one of the most prestigious music schools in the world. There, he studied under some of the most renowned musicians of the time, including Vladimir Horowitz and Leonard Bernstein. Finkenaur's talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of his teachers and fellow students. He was praised for his technical skill and his ability to convey emotion through his playing. He also began to win awards and competitions, including the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. After graduating from Juilliard, Finkenaur embarked on a successful career as a concert pianist. He performed all over the world, playing in some of the most renowned concert halls and with some of the most respected orchestras. He also recorded several albums, which were widely praised for their technical skill and emotional depth. One of Finkenaur's most memorable performances was at the Royal Albert Hall in London. He played a solo recital to a packed audience, receiving a standing ovation at the end. The performance was later broadcast on television and received widespread acclaim. Finkenaur also became known for his collaborations with other musicians. He frequently played with string quartets and other ensembles, and was praised for his ability to blend his playing with that of other musicians. He also worked with several composers, premiering new works and collaborating on recordings. Throughout his career, Finkenaur continued to win awards and accolades. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton in 1998, and was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2005. He also received several honorary degrees from universities around the world. Despite his success, Finkenaur remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to practice for several hours a day, even into his later years. He also taught master classes and mentored young musicians, passing on his knowledge and passion for music to the next generation. Sadly, Finkenaur passed away on June 15, 2017, at the age of 62. His death was mourned by the music world, with many musicians and fans paying tribute to his talent and his contributions to classical music. His legacy lives on through his recordings and the many musicians he inspired and mentored throughout his career.

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