Arthur Whittemore was an American classical pianist who was born on May 23, 1933, in New Haven, Connecticut. He was the son of a music teacher and began playing the piano at a young age. Whittemore's talent was evident from an early age, and he quickly became known for his exceptional musical abilities. Whittemore's early musical education was under the tutelage of his mother, who was a piano teacher. He later studied at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree. He continued his studies at the Yale School of Music, where he earned a Master of Music degree. Whittemore's career as a concert pianist began in the 1950s, and he quickly gained a reputation as a talented and accomplished performer. He made his debut at Carnegie Hall in 1957, and his performance was met with critical acclaim. He went on to perform at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Throughout his career, Whittemore was known for his virtuosic performances of classical music. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the works of Franz Liszt, and he was considered one of the foremost Liszt interpreters of his time. He also performed the works of other great composers, including Beethoven, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. Whittemore's career was marked by numerous highlights and achievements. In 1960, he won the prestigious Leventritt Competition, which is considered one of the most important competitions for young classical musicians. The prize included a debut performance with the New York Philharmonic, which was conducted by Leonard Bernstein. Whittemore also performed with other major orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He was a frequent guest performer on television and radio programs, and he recorded numerous albums throughout his career. In addition to his career as a performer, Whittemore was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Juilliard School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, and he was a visiting professor at several other universities and conservatories. Whittemore's life and career were tragically cut short when he died in a car accident on December 16, 1980, at the age of 47. His death was a great loss to the classical music world, and he is remembered as one of the most talented and accomplished pianists of his generation. In conclusion, Arthur Whittemore was a gifted and accomplished classical pianist who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His virtuosic performances and interpretations of the works of great composers have left a lasting legacy, and his influence can still be felt in the world of classical music today. Despite his untimely death, his contributions to the world of music will continue to be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.

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