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Vera Presti was a renowned classical music artist who was born on May 12, 1927, in Paris, France. She was the daughter of the famous French composer and conductor, André Presti, who was also her first music teacher. Vera showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Her father recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Vera's musical education began at the Paris Conservatory, where she studied piano under the tutelage of Marguerite Long. She was a prodigious student and won several awards and prizes during her time at the conservatory. In 1945, at the age of 18, Vera made her debut as a soloist with the Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire, playing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major. Vera's career took off after her debut, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after pianists of her generation. She performed extensively throughout Europe and the United States, playing with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. She also collaborated with many renowned conductors, such as Herbert von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, and Sir Georg Solti. One of Vera's most memorable performances was her rendition of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, also known as the "Emperor" concerto. She performed this piece with the Berlin Philharmonic under the baton of Herbert von Karajan in 1962. The performance was widely acclaimed, and Vera's interpretation of the concerto was praised for its technical brilliance and emotional depth. Vera was also a prolific recording artist, and she made numerous recordings throughout her career. Her recordings of the works of Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff are particularly noteworthy and are still considered some of the best interpretations of these composers' works. In 1965, Vera was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for her recording of Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor. In addition to her solo career, Vera was also a dedicated chamber musician. She frequently performed with other musicians, including violinist Isaac Stern and cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. One of her most notable collaborations was with the Guarneri Quartet, with whom she recorded the complete piano quartets of Mozart. Vera's career spanned several decades, and she continued to perform and record well into her later years. She was known for her impeccable technique, her musical sensitivity, and her ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music she played. She was also a beloved teacher, and many of her students went on to have successful careers in music. Vera received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1970, she was awarded the Legion of Honor, one of France's highest honors, for her contributions to the arts. She was also awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1981 and the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government in 1990. Vera's legacy as a musician and teacher continues to inspire generations of musicians. She passed away on January 28, 2017, at the age of 89, but her recordings and performances continue to be celebrated and admired by music lovers around the world.

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