Samuel Formicola was born on May 12, 1985, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a professional pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Formicola showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Formicola's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue music seriously. He began taking piano lessons with renowned pianist and teacher, Maria João Pires, at the age of six. Pires quickly recognized Formicola's potential and became his mentor and guide throughout his musical journey. Formicola's early years were spent honing his skills and developing his technique. He participated in numerous competitions and won several awards, including the first prize at the International Piano Competition in Paris at the age of ten. He also performed in various concerts and recitals, showcasing his talent and earning critical acclaim. Formicola's musical education continued at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied under the guidance of renowned pianist and teacher, Emanuel Ax. He graduated with honors and went on to pursue a master's degree in piano performance at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. During his time at Curtis, Formicola had the opportunity to work with some of the most distinguished musicians in the world, including pianist and conductor, Christoph Eschenbach, and composer, John Adams. He also performed in numerous concerts and recitals, both as a soloist and as part of an ensemble. Formicola's career as a professional musician began in earnest after he completed his studies at Curtis. He quickly established himself as one of the most promising young pianists of his generation, earning critical acclaim for his performances and recordings. One of Formicola's most notable performances was his debut at Carnegie Hall in 2010. He performed a program of works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt, showcasing his technical prowess and musical sensitivity. The performance was widely praised by critics and established Formicola as a rising star in the classical music world. Formicola's career continued to flourish in the years that followed. He performed in numerous concerts and recitals around the world, collaborating with some of the most distinguished musicians in the industry. He also recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas. In addition to his performing career, Formicola is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He has taught masterclasses at some of the most prestigious music schools in the world, including the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music. He is also a faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music, where he teaches piano performance. Formicola's talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He has been the recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the Gilmore Young Artist Award, and the Arthur Rubinstein Prize, among others. Despite his success, Formicola remains humble and dedicated to his art. He continues to push himself to new heights, constantly striving to improve his technique and musicality. His passion for music is evident in every performance, and he remains a beloved figure in the classical music world.

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