Rainer Vilu was a renowned classical music artist who was born on May 12, 1965, in Tallinn, Estonia. He was born into a family of musicians, and his father was a well-known conductor in Estonia. From a young age, Vilu showed a keen interest in music, and he began playing the piano at the age of five. Vilu's talent was quickly recognized, and he began performing in public at a young age. He won his first piano competition at the age of eight, and by the time he was a teenager, he had already established himself as one of the most promising young musicians in Estonia. In 1983, Vilu was accepted into the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, where he studied under the renowned pianist and teacher, Bruno Lukk. Vilu's time at the academy was a period of intense growth and development, and he quickly established himself as one of the most talented students in the school. After graduating from the academy in 1988, Vilu began his professional career as a concert pianist. He quickly gained a reputation for his technical skill and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music he played. He performed extensively throughout Estonia and the Baltic region, and he quickly gained a following of devoted fans. In 1991, Vilu was invited to perform at the prestigious Chopin Festival in Warsaw, Poland. This was a major milestone in his career, and it helped to establish him as an international artist. He received rave reviews for his performance, and he was invited to perform at other major festivals throughout Europe. Over the course of his career, Vilu performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. He also collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors, including Claudio Abbado, Daniel Barenboim, and Simon Rattle. Vilu's repertoire was vast, and he was known for his interpretations of the works of Chopin, Beethoven, and Mozart. He was also a champion of contemporary music, and he premiered many new works by Estonian composers. Throughout his career, Vilu received numerous awards and honors. In 1995, he was awarded the Order of the White Star, which is one of Estonia's highest honors. He was also awarded the Estonian Music Council's annual prize in 1997 and 2003. Tragically, Vilu's career was cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2005. He continued to perform despite his illness, and he remained an inspiration to his fans and colleagues until his death on January 15, 2006. In conclusion, Rainer Vilu was a gifted and accomplished classical music artist who left an indelible mark on the world of music. His technical skill, emotional depth, and dedication to his craft made him one of the most respected and beloved pianists of his generation. Although his career was cut short, his legacy lives on through his recordings and the memories of those who were fortunate enough to hear him perform.

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