Melis Jaatinen is a Finnish classical music artist who has made a name for herself in the international music scene. Born on May 12, 1990, in Helsinki, Finland, Melis showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Her parents, who were both music enthusiasts, encouraged her to pursue her passion for music, and she soon began taking lessons from a local music teacher. Melis's talent for music quickly became apparent, and she began participating in local music competitions and festivals. Her performances were well-received, and she soon began to gain recognition as a promising young musician. At the age of 12, Melis was accepted into the Sibelius Academy, one of the most prestigious music schools in Finland. She studied there for six years, honing her skills and developing her musical style. After completing her studies at the Sibelius Academy, Melis continued her education at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich, Germany. There, she studied under the tutelage of renowned pianist and teacher, Gerhard Oppitz. Under Oppitz's guidance, Melis's playing became more refined and nuanced, and she began to develop her own unique style. Melis's talent and hard work paid off, and she began to receive invitations to perform at major music festivals and venues around the world. In 2012, she made her debut at the Helsinki Music Centre, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance was a resounding success, and Melis received critical acclaim for her virtuosic playing and musical sensitivity. Since then, Melis has performed at some of the most prestigious music festivals and venues in the world, including the Salzburg Festival, the Lucerne Festival, and the Berlin Philharmonic. She has collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors and orchestras in the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Melis's repertoire is wide-ranging, and she is equally at home playing the works of classical masters like Beethoven and Mozart as she is playing contemporary pieces by living composers. She has premiered works by several contemporary composers, including Kaija Saariaho and Magnus Lindberg, and has been praised for her ability to bring new life to these works. In addition to her performances, Melis is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has taught masterclasses at several music schools and festivals around the world, and has worked with young musicians to help them develop their skills and achieve their musical goals. Melis's talent and hard work have been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2014, she was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a Finnish citizen. The medal is awarded for outstanding artistic achievement and cultural contribution, and Melis was recognized for her contributions to the Finnish music scene and her success on the international stage. In 2016, Melis was named a Steinway Artist, joining a select group of pianists who are recognized for their exceptional talent and dedication to the piano. The Steinway Artist program is one of the most prestigious endorsements in the music world, and Melis's inclusion in the program is a testament to her skill and artistry.

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