Alceu Reis was a Brazilian classical music artist who was born on August 22, 1939, in the city of Rio de Janeiro. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a family that was deeply involved in music. From a young age, Reis showed a natural talent for music and began studying the piano at the age of six. Reis continued his musical education at the National School of Music in Rio de Janeiro, where he studied under the renowned Brazilian pianist and composer, Francisco Mignone. He also studied with other notable Brazilian musicians, including Guerra-Peixe and Radamés Gnattali. In 1961, Reis won first prize in the National Piano Competition in Rio de Janeiro, which launched his career as a professional musician. He went on to perform extensively throughout Brazil and internationally, earning a reputation as one of the country's most talented classical pianists. One of Reis's most notable performances was at the 1965 International Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland, where he won the Silver Medal. This was a significant achievement for a Brazilian musician, as the competition was one of the most prestigious in the world at the time. Throughout his career, Reis was known for his virtuosic performances of classical music, particularly the works of Brazilian composers such as Villa-Lobos and Mignone. He also performed works by European composers, including Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt. In addition to his performances, Reis was also a respected music educator. He taught at the National School of Music in Rio de Janeiro and was a professor of piano at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Reis received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Medalha de Ouro from the Brazilian Academy of Music and the Order of Cultural Merit from the Brazilian government. He was also a member of the Brazilian Academy of Music and the International Academy of Arts and Letters. Despite his success, Reis remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to perform and teach until his death on December 14, 2012, at the age of 73. Today, Alceu Reis is remembered as one of Brazil's greatest classical musicians. His virtuosic performances and dedication to music education have inspired generations of Brazilian musicians and continue to be celebrated around the world.

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