Birth

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December 31, 1978 in Sequim, WA

 

Richard Yongjae O'Neill is a world-renowned classical music artist who has made a name for himself as one of the most talented violists of his generation. Born on June 30, 1978, in Seoul, South Korea, O'Neill began his musical journey at a young age, showing a natural talent for the viola. O'Neill's family moved to the United States when he was six years old, and he began studying the viola with renowned teacher Dorothy DeLay at the Juilliard School in New York City. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent, winning numerous competitions and awards, including the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant in 2003. Throughout his career, O'Neill has performed with some of the world's most renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors, including Lorin Maazel, Christoph Eschenbach, and Valery Gergiev. One of O'Neill's most notable performances was his solo debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2003, where he performed the world premiere of Christopher Rouse's Viola Concerto. The performance was met with critical acclaim, with The New York Times describing O'Neill's playing as "virtuosic and deeply expressive." In addition to his work as a soloist, O'Neill is also a dedicated chamber musician, performing regularly with some of the world's leading ensembles, including the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Sejong Soloists. He has also recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of the complete Brahms Viola Sonatas with pianist Jeremy Denk. O'Neill's dedication to music education is also noteworthy. He has served as a faculty member at the Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Seoul National University, and has given masterclasses around the world. He is also the founder and artistic director of the PyeongChang Music Festival and School in South Korea, which brings together young musicians from around the world for a summer program of intensive study and performance. Throughout his career, O'Neill has received numerous awards and honors, including the Pro Musicis International Award, the Ho-Am Prize in the Arts, and the Korean National Order of Cultural Merit. He has also been named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, using his platform to advocate for children's rights and access to education. In addition to his musical accomplishments, O'Neill is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting a variety of causes through his Richard Yongjae O'Neill Foundation. The foundation provides scholarships and support to young musicians, as well as funding for music education programs in underserved communities. In conclusion, Richard Yongjae O'Neill is a true musical virtuoso, whose exceptional talent and dedication to music education and philanthropy have made him one of the most respected and admired classical music artists of his generation. His contributions to the world of music and beyond are truly remarkable, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians and philanthropists for years to come.

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