Alfredo Ovalles was a Venezuelan classical pianist and composer who was born on August 22, 1919, in Caracas, Venezuela. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a musical family. His father, Luis Ovalles, was a composer and conductor, and his mother, Carmen Ovalles, was a singer. Ovalles began playing the piano at the age of four and showed exceptional talent from an early age. He studied with several renowned teachers, including Vicente Emilio Sojo, a prominent Venezuelan composer and conductor. Sojo recognized Ovalles' talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. In 1938, Ovalles won a scholarship to study at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City. He studied with several prominent teachers, including Carlos Chávez, a Mexican composer and conductor. Ovalles also performed in several concerts and recitals during his time in Mexico, gaining recognition for his virtuosity and musicality. After completing his studies in Mexico, Ovalles returned to Venezuela and began performing in concerts and recitals throughout the country. He quickly gained a reputation as one of Venezuela's most talented pianists and composers. In 1943, he won first prize in the National Piano Competition in Caracas, cementing his status as a rising star in the classical music world. Ovalles continued to perform and compose throughout the 1940s and 1950s, gaining international recognition for his virtuosity and musicality. He performed in several major cities throughout the world, including New York, Paris, and London. He also composed several works for piano, orchestra, and chamber ensembles, which were performed by some of the world's leading musicians. In 1958, Ovalles was appointed as the director of the National Conservatory of Music in Caracas, a position he held for several years. During his tenure, he worked to improve the quality of music education in Venezuela and to promote the country's rich musical heritage. In 1962, Ovalles was awarded the National Prize for Music in Venezuela, in recognition of his contributions to the country's musical culture. He continued to perform and compose throughout the 1960s and 1970s, gaining further recognition for his virtuosity and musicality. In 1980, Ovalles suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to perform. Despite this setback, he continued to compose and teach, inspiring a new generation of musicians with his passion for music and his dedication to excellence. Alfredo Ovalles passed away on December 12, 1995, at the age of 76. He left behind a legacy of exceptional talent and musicality, inspiring generations of musicians to pursue their dreams and to strive for excellence in their craft. His contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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