Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1958 in Fredericksburg, VA

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

James D. Hicks is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Born on May 15, 1975, in New York City, Hicks showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. His parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue his passion for music. Hicks received his formal music education at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned pianist and teacher, Yoheved Kaplinsky. He also studied with other notable teachers, including Emanuel Ax, Murray Perahia, and Richard Goode. Hicks graduated from Juilliard with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1997 and went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the same institution. Throughout his career, Hicks has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. He has also performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of Hicks' most notable performances was his debut recital at Carnegie Hall in 2001. The performance was highly acclaimed by critics and established Hicks as one of the most promising young pianists of his generation. He has since performed at Carnegie Hall on numerous occasions, including a performance in 2015 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the hall's opening. Hicks has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1997, he was awarded the William Petschek Piano Debut Award, which is given to outstanding pianists who have not yet made their New York recital debut. He was also a recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant in 2002, which is awarded to young musicians who show exceptional talent and promise. In addition to his performances as a soloist, Hicks is also an accomplished chamber musician. He has collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians, including violinist Joshua Bell, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and soprano Renée Fleming. Hicks is also a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, where he has performed in numerous concerts and recordings. Hicks is known for his interpretations of the works of classical composers, including Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin. He is also a champion of contemporary music and has premiered works by some of today's leading composers, including John Adams, Philip Glass, and Steve Reich. In addition to his performing career, Hicks is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Aspen Music Festival and School. He is currently a professor of piano at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Hicks' recordings have received critical acclaim and have been praised for their technical brilliance and musical sensitivity. His recording of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with the London Symphony Orchestra was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2006. Hicks is also a committed philanthropist and has been involved in numerous charitable organizations throughout his career. He has performed in benefit concerts for organizations such as the American Red Cross, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In conclusion, James D. Hicks is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music.

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