Stephen de Pledge is a renowned classical pianist from New Zealand, known for his exceptional musicianship and captivating performances. Born in Auckland in 1969, de Pledge began playing the piano at the age of five and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He went on to study at the University of Auckland, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree with First Class Honours, and later at the Royal College of Music in London, where he received a Master of Music degree with Distinction. De Pledge's career as a professional pianist began in the early 1990s, when he won several prestigious awards and competitions, including the Royal Overseas League Music Competition and the NFMS Young Concert Artists Award. These early successes helped to establish him as one of the most promising young pianists of his generation, and he quickly began to attract attention from audiences and critics alike. Over the years, de Pledge has performed extensively throughout New Zealand and around the world, appearing as a soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles. He has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including singers, instrumentalists, and composers, and has recorded numerous albums of classical music. One of de Pledge's most notable performances was his debut at the Wigmore Hall in London in 1999, which was widely praised by critics for its technical brilliance and emotional depth. He has also performed at many other prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and Carnegie Hall in New York. In addition to his work as a performer, de Pledge is also a respected teacher and mentor, and has taught at several leading music schools and universities around the world. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in Piano at the University of Auckland, where he has helped to train many of the country's most talented young pianists. Throughout his career, de Pledge has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to classical music. In 2002, he was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music, and in 2010 he was named a Steinway Artist, joining a select group of pianists who are recognized for their exceptional talent and dedication to the instrument. Despite his many achievements, de Pledge remains humble and dedicated to his craft, always striving to improve his skills and bring new life to the music he plays. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential classical pianists of his generation, and his contributions to the world of music will continue to be felt for many years to come.

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