Pietro Locatto was born on May 12, 1985, in Turin, Italy. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Locatto showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Locatto's parents recognized his potential and enrolled him in the Turin Conservatory of Music at the age of six. There, he studied under the guidance of renowned pianist and composer, Carlo Levi-Minzi. Under Levi-Minzi's tutelage, Locatto developed a deep understanding of classical music and honed his skills as a pianist. Throughout his teenage years, Locatto continued to excel in his studies and began performing in various concerts and competitions. In 2003, he won first prize in the prestigious International Piano Competition in Milan, Italy. This victory marked a turning point in Locatto's career and opened up new opportunities for him to perform on a larger stage. After completing his studies at the Turin Conservatory of Music, Locatto went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London. There, he studied under the guidance of renowned pianist and teacher, Christopher Elton. Under Elton's tutelage, Locatto continued to refine his skills as a pianist and developed a deeper understanding of the nuances of classical music. In 2008, Locatto made his debut performance at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The performance was a resounding success, and Locatto received critical acclaim for his technical prowess and emotional depth. This performance marked the beginning of Locatto's international career as a pianist. Over the years, Locatto has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Royal Albert Hall in London. He has collaborated with some of the world's most renowned conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle and Daniel Barenboim. Locatto's repertoire is vast and includes works by some of the greatest composers in classical music, including Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the works of Franz Liszt, and his performances of Liszt's Sonata in B minor have been hailed as some of the best in recent memory. In addition to his performances, Locatto is also a dedicated teacher and has taught at some of the world's most prestigious music schools, including the Juilliard School in New York and the Royal Academy of Music in London. He is known for his patient and nurturing approach to teaching and has helped to inspire a new generation of young pianists. Throughout his career, Locatto has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to classical music. In 2012, he was awarded the prestigious International Classical Music Award for his recording of Liszt's Sonata in B minor. In 2015, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon an Italian citizen. Today, Locatto continues to perform and teach, and his contributions to classical music have helped to inspire a new generation of musicians. His dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to excellence have made him one of the most respected and admired pianists of his generation.

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