Thierry de Brunhoff was a French classical music artist who was born on December 18, 1939, in Paris, France. He was the son of Jean de Brunhoff, the creator of the famous children's book character Babar the Elephant. Thierry grew up in a family that was deeply involved in the arts, and he showed an early interest in music. Thierry began his musical education at the age of six, studying piano with Yvonne Lefebure. He later studied at the Paris Conservatory, where he won first prize in piano in 1958. He continued his studies with Nadia Boulanger, who was one of the most influential music teachers of the 20th century. In 1961, Thierry made his debut as a soloist with the Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire, playing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23. This performance was a great success, and it marked the beginning of Thierry's career as a concert pianist. Over the next few years, Thierry performed extensively throughout Europe and the United States. He played with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. He also performed in many of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Thierry was known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music he played. He was particularly admired for his interpretations of the works of Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin. In addition to his career as a concert pianist, Thierry was also a respected teacher. He taught at the Paris Conservatory and at the École Normale de Musique de Paris. Many of his students went on to have successful careers as musicians. Thierry received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1965, he was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for his recording of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23. He was also awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government in 1975. Despite his success, Thierry was known for his modesty and his dedication to his art. He continued to perform and teach until his death on January 28, 2005, at the age of 65. Thierry de Brunhoff was a gifted musician who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His virtuosic playing and his emotional depth continue to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

More....