Role

:

Conductor  

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Lee Ward was born on May 12, 1985, in New York City. From a young age, he showed a natural talent for music, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. He began playing the piano at the age of five and quickly progressed to more advanced pieces. Ward's parents enrolled him in music lessons, and he studied under several renowned classical pianists. He also attended the Juilliard School's pre-college program, where he received additional training and exposure to the world of classical music. As a teenager, Ward began performing in local recitals and competitions, quickly gaining a reputation as a rising star in the classical music world. He won several awards and scholarships, including the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. After graduating from high school, Ward attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied under renowned pianist Gary Graffman. During his time at Curtis, Ward continued to perform in recitals and competitions, winning several more awards and accolades. In 2007, Ward made his debut with the New York Philharmonic, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5. The performance was a resounding success, and Ward was praised for his technical skill and emotional depth. Over the next several years, Ward continued to perform with major orchestras around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. He also released several critically acclaimed recordings, including a collection of Chopin's Nocturnes and a recording of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas. In 2012, Ward was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. The grant recognized his exceptional talent and potential for future success in the field. Despite his success, Ward remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to practice for hours each day, always striving to improve his technique and interpretation of the music. Tragically, Ward's promising career was cut short when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2015. He underwent several rounds of treatment, but ultimately succumbed to the disease in 2017 at the age of 32. Ward's legacy lives on through his recordings and the memories of those who were fortunate enough to hear him perform. He is remembered as a brilliant pianist and a kind, generous person who touched the lives of many through his music.

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