Lura Johnson is a renowned classical pianist who has made a name for herself in the world of music. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1976, Johnson showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Her parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue her passion for music. Johnson's early musical education was under the tutelage of her mother, who was a pianist herself. She later studied with renowned pianists such as Leon Fleisher, Yoheved Kaplinsky, and Robert McDonald. Johnson attended the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. She then went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School in New York City. Johnson's talent and hard work paid off when she won several prestigious awards and competitions. In 2000, she won the William Kapell International Piano Competition, which is one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world. She also won the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition in 2002 and the Hilton Head International Piano Competition in 2003. Johnson's career as a concert pianist took off after her competition wins. She has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Utah Symphony Orchestra, and the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra. She has also performed in major concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Festival Hall in London. One of Johnson's most notable performances was her debut with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 2001. She performed Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, which is one of the most challenging pieces in the piano repertoire. Her performance was met with critical acclaim, and she was praised for her technical skill and emotional depth. In addition to her performances as a soloist, Johnson is also an accomplished chamber musician. She has collaborated with many of the world's leading musicians, including violinist Hilary Hahn, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and pianist Leon Fleisher. She is a founding member of the Monument Piano Trio, which has performed extensively throughout the United States. Johnson is also a dedicated teacher and has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Peabody Conservatory of Music and the University of Maryland. She is currently on the faculty of the Baltimore School for the Arts, where she teaches piano to talented young musicians. Throughout her career, Johnson has been recognized for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 2005, she was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to outstanding young musicians who show exceptional talent and promise. She was also named a Gilmore Young Artist in 2006, which is a highly selective award given to pianists who show exceptional potential. In addition to her performances and teaching, Johnson is also committed to giving back to her community. She has performed in numerous benefit concerts for organizations such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Kennedy Center, and the Peabody Conservatory of Music. She is also a board member of the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra and the Baltimore School for the Arts. In conclusion, Lura Johnson is a talented and accomplished classical pianist who has made a significant impact on the world of music.

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