Birth

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1976 in Nazareth, Israel

 

Saleem Abboud Ashkar is a renowned classical pianist and conductor who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born on October 14, 1976, in Nazareth, Israel, Ashkar grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Abboud Ashkar, was a violinist, and his mother, Hiam Abboud, was a pianist. From a young age, Ashkar showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. Ashkar's talent was quickly recognized, and he began studying at the Barenboim-Said Foundation in Ramallah, Palestine, at the age of seven. He later went on to study at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hannover, Germany, where he received his diploma in piano performance with distinction. He also studied conducting with Maestro Gianluigi Gelmetti at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy. Ashkar's career as a pianist began to take off in the early 2000s when he won several prestigious competitions, including the Cleveland International Piano Competition in 2000 and the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in 2001. These wins helped to establish him as one of the most promising young pianists of his generation. Since then, Ashkar has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, including Daniel Barenboim, Zubin Mehta, and Riccardo Muti. One of Ashkar's most notable performances was his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic in 2003, where he performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 under the baton of Daniel Barenboim. The performance was widely praised, and Ashkar was hailed as a rising star in the classical music world. In addition to his career as a pianist, Ashkar is also an accomplished conductor. He has conducted many leading orchestras, including the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre de Paris, and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also served as the principal conductor of the Orchestra della Toscana in Florence, Italy, and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Ashkar's conducting debut with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in 2011 was a particularly significant moment in his career. He conducted a program of works by Beethoven, including the composer's Symphony No. 7, and received a standing ovation from the audience. Throughout his career, Ashkar has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to classical music. In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious Bremen Music Prize, which is given to musicians who have made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was also named a UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2012, in recognition of his efforts to promote peace and understanding through music. In addition to his performing and conducting career, Ashkar is also a dedicated music educator. He has taught at many leading music schools, including the Barenboim-Said Foundation in Ramallah, the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hannover, and the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. He is also a frequent guest lecturer at universities and music schools around the world. In conclusion, Saleem Abboud Ashkar is a highly accomplished classical pianist and conductor who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. His talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous awards and accolades, and his performances have inspired audiences around the world.

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