Birth

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November 8, 1981 in Iowa City, IA

 

Orion Weiss is a renowned classical pianist who has captivated audiences around the world with his virtuosic performances and deep musicality. Born in Gates Mills, Ohio in 1981, Weiss showed an early aptitude for music and began playing the piano at the age of three. His parents, both amateur musicians, recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue his passion for music. Weiss received his early musical training from his mother, who was a piano teacher. He quickly progressed and began studying with renowned pianist and pedagogue, Emilio del Rosario, at the age of six. Under del Rosario's guidance, Weiss developed a strong technical foundation and a deep understanding of the classical repertoire. At the age of 16, Weiss was accepted into the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Paul Schenly. He continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees under the tutelage of Emanuel Ax and Yoheved Kaplinsky. Weiss's talent and dedication to his craft quickly earned him recognition in the classical music world. In 2000, he won the prestigious Gilmore Young Artist Award, which is awarded every two years to the most promising young pianists in the world. The award came with a cash prize of $25,000 and the opportunity to perform in major concert halls around the world. Since then, Weiss has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors of our time, including Christoph von Dohnányi, James Conlon, and David Robertson. Weiss's repertoire is vast and includes works by many of the great composers, including Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and Schumann. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the music of George Gershwin, and has recorded several of Gershwin's works, including the Piano Concerto in F and Rhapsody in Blue. In addition to his performances as a soloist, Weiss is also an avid chamber musician. He has collaborated with many of the world's leading chamber ensembles, including the Pacifica Quartet and the Jupiter Quartet. He is also a member of the Weiss-Kaplan-Stumpf Trio, which he formed with violinist Mark Kaplan and cellist Clancy Newman. Weiss's recordings have received critical acclaim and have been praised for their technical brilliance and musical sensitivity. His recording of the complete Gershwin works for piano and orchestra with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra was named one of the top classical recordings of 2011 by NPR. Despite his success, Weiss remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to practice for several hours a day and is always seeking to improve his technique and musicality. He is also committed to sharing his love of music with the next generation of musicians and frequently gives masterclasses and workshops to young pianists. In conclusion, Orion Weiss is a gifted and accomplished classical pianist who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. His technical brilliance and musical sensitivity have earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following of fans around the world. As he continues to perform and record, it is clear that Weiss will remain a major force in the classical music world for many years to come.

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