Jelena Banković is a Serbian classical pianist who has gained international recognition for her exceptional talent and musicality. Born on May 5, 1991, in Belgrade, Serbia, Banković showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Her parents, both music lovers, recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Banković's early musical education was under the guidance of her mother, who was a piano teacher. She later studied at the Music School "Kosta Manojlović" in Zemun, Serbia, where she received her first formal training in piano performance. During her time at the school, Banković participated in numerous competitions and won several awards, including the first prize at the International Piano Competition "Petar Konjović" in Belgrade. After completing her studies at the Music School "Kosta Manojlović," Banković continued her education at the Faculty of Music in Belgrade, where she studied with renowned pianist and pedagogue Arbo Valdma. She graduated with honors in 2013, receiving a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance. Following her graduation, Banković continued her studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln in Germany, where she studied with pianist and pedagogue Pierre-Laurent Aimard. During her time at the conservatory, Banković honed her skills and developed her unique musical voice, which has been described as "sensitive, expressive, and technically flawless." Banković's talent and hard work have been recognized by numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2010, she won the first prize at the International Piano Competition "Petar Konjović" in Belgrade, and in 2012, she was awarded the "Virtuoso" prize at the International Piano Competition "Città di Barletta" in Italy. In 2014, Banković won the first prize at the International Piano Competition "Città di Sulmona" in Italy, and in 2015, she was awarded the "Grand Prix" at the International Piano Competition "Città di Marsala" in Italy. Banković has also performed in numerous prestigious venues and festivals around the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Konzerthaus Berlin, the Cologne Philharmonic, the Beethovenfest Bonn, the Festival Internacional de Música de Cámara de Aguascalientes in Mexico, and the Festival Internacional de Piano de Monterrey in Mexico. She has collaborated with renowned conductors and musicians, including Christoph Eschenbach, Markus Stenz, and the Arditti Quartet. One of Banković's most notable performances was her debut with the Berlin Philharmonic in 2016, where she performed Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major under the baton of Christoph Eschenbach. The performance was met with critical acclaim, with critics praising Banković's "sensitive and nuanced playing" and her "deep understanding of the music." Banković's repertoire is diverse and includes works by classical and contemporary composers. She has a particular affinity for the music of Beethoven, Mozart, and Schumann, and has performed their works extensively throughout her career. She is also a champion of contemporary music and has premiered works by composers such as Marko Nikodijević and Miroslav Srnka. In addition to her performing career, Banković is also a dedicated teacher and has taught masterclasses and workshops in Serbia, Germany, Mexico, and the United States.

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