Diane Maltester was born on May 12, 1985, in New York City. She grew up in a family of musicians, with both her parents being professional classical musicians. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a cellist. From a young age, Diane was exposed to classical music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Diane's parents recognized her talent early on and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. She began taking piano lessons with her mother and quickly progressed. By the age of ten, she was performing in local recitals and competitions. In 1997, Diane was accepted into the Juilliard School's Pre-College Division, where she studied with renowned pianist Yoheved Kaplinsky. She continued to excel in her studies and won several competitions, including the New York State Music Teachers Association Piano Competition and the Young Pianist Competition of New Jersey. After graduating from high school, Diane attended the Juilliard School's undergraduate program, where she studied with Robert McDonald. She also studied with Emanuel Ax and Richard Goode during her time at Juilliard. In 2007, she graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree. Following her graduation, Diane began performing extensively throughout the United States and Europe. She made her debut at Carnegie Hall in 2008, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the New York Youth Symphony. The performance was well-received, and Diane was praised for her technical skill and musicality. In 2010, Diane won the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world. The competition is held every four years and attracts the best young pianists from around the world. Diane's performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 in the final round was particularly impressive, and she was awarded first prize. Following her win at the Van Cliburn Competition, Diane's career took off. She began performing with major orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. She also made several recordings, including a critically acclaimed recording of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas. In 2015, Diane was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes young musicians who show great potential for a significant career in music. The grant provided her with financial support and helped to further her career. Throughout her career, Diane has been praised for her technical skill, musicality, and ability to connect with audiences. She has been described as a "virtuoso pianist" and a "musical powerhouse." Her performances are known for their emotional depth and technical precision. In addition to her performing career, Diane is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music and has given masterclasses around the world. She is passionate about sharing her love of music with the next generation of musicians. Today, Diane continues to perform and record, and she remains one of the most respected and admired pianists of her generation. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to excellence have made her a role model for young musicians around the world.

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