Arend Baumann was born on May 12, 1985, in Berlin, Germany. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a renowned pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Baumann showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Baumann's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He began taking piano lessons with his father and quickly developed his skills. By the age of ten, he had already won several local competitions and was invited to perform at prestigious venues across Germany. In 1997, Baumann was accepted into the prestigious Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin, where he studied under the guidance of renowned pianist and pedagogue Klaus Hellwig. During his time at the conservatory, Baumann honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of classical music. In 2003, Baumann graduated from the conservatory with top honors and was awarded the prestigious Clara Schumann Prize for his outstanding achievements. He then went on to pursue a master's degree at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied under the guidance of renowned pianist Emanuel Ax. During his time at Juilliard, Baumann continued to impress audiences and critics alike with his virtuosic performances. He won several competitions, including the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2009, cementing his place as one of the most talented pianists of his generation. Baumann's career continued to flourish in the years that followed. He performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Royal Albert Hall. He also collaborated with some of the world's most renowned conductors, including Daniel Barenboim, Simon Rattle, and Zubin Mehta. In addition to his solo performances, Baumann was also a sought-after chamber musician. He frequently collaborated with other musicians, including violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter and cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and was a member of several ensembles, including the Baumann Trio and the Berlin Philharmonic Piano Quartet. Throughout his career, Baumann received numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding performances. In addition to the Clara Schumann Prize and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, he was also awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the Gilmore Artist Award, and the Echo Klassik Award. Despite his success, Baumann remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to practice for hours each day and was always looking for ways to improve his performances. He was also passionate about teaching and frequently gave masterclasses to young musicians around the world. Tragically, Baumann's career was cut short when he passed away in a car accident in 2017. He was only 32 years old. His death was a great loss to the classical music world, and he is remembered as one of the most talented and promising pianists of his generation.

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