Manuel Porta Gallego was born on May 12, 1985, in Madrid, Spain. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a renowned classical guitarist and his mother a pianist. From a young age, Manuel showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Manuel's parents recognized his talent and enrolled him in the Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Madrid, where he studied piano under the guidance of renowned pianist and teacher, Alicia de Larrocha. Manuel's talent and dedication to music were evident from the start, and he quickly became one of the most promising young pianists in Spain. In 2003, Manuel won first prize in the prestigious Concurso Nacional de Piano de Albacete, which marked the beginning of his career as a professional pianist. He went on to win several other awards and competitions, including the Concurso Internacional de Piano de Santander Paloma O'Shea in 2006 and the Concurso Internacional de Piano de Valencia in 2008. Manuel's talent and hard work paid off, and he soon began performing in some of the most prestigious concert halls in Europe and the United States. He made his debut at Carnegie Hall in New York in 2009, where he received a standing ovation for his performance of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57, also known as the "Appassionata." Over the years, Manuel has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors, such as Daniel Barenboim, Zubin Mehta, and Riccardo Muti. Manuel's repertoire is vast and includes works by some of the greatest composers in history, such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the works of Spanish composers, such as Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla, and Joaquín Rodrigo. In addition to his performances, Manuel is also a dedicated teacher and has taught masterclasses at some of the most prestigious music schools in the world, including the Juilliard School in New York and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Despite his success, Manuel remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to practice for several hours a day and is always looking for ways to improve his technique and interpretation. In 2015, Manuel was awarded the prestigious Premio Nacional de Música, the highest honor given to musicians in Spain. The award recognized his outstanding contributions to the world of classical music and his dedication to promoting Spanish music and culture. Today, Manuel Porta Gallego is considered one of the greatest pianists of his generation. His performances are known for their technical brilliance, emotional depth, and musical sensitivity. He continues to inspire audiences around the world with his artistry and passion for music.

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