Susan Merdinger is a renowned classical pianist who has captivated audiences around the world with her virtuosic performances and deep musicality. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1963, Merdinger showed an early aptitude for music and began studying piano at the age of five. She quickly demonstrated a natural talent for the instrument, and her parents encouraged her to pursue her passion for music. Merdinger's early musical education was shaped by a number of influential teachers, including Mary Sauer, the principal keyboardist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Emilio del Rosario, a renowned pianist and pedagogue. Under their guidance, Merdinger developed a strong technical foundation and a deep understanding of the classical repertoire. As a young musician, Merdinger began to make a name for herself in the Chicago music scene, performing in a variety of venues and competitions. In 1981, she won the prestigious Union League Civic and Arts Foundation Competition, which provided her with a scholarship to study at the Juilliard School in New York City. At Juilliard, Merdinger continued to refine her skills under the tutelage of some of the most respected pianists in the world, including Martin Canin and Jacob Lateiner. She also had the opportunity to perform in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. After completing her studies at Juilliard, Merdinger embarked on a successful career as a concert pianist, performing in venues across the United States and Europe. She has been praised for her technical precision, her expressive playing, and her ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music she performs. One of the highlights of Merdinger's career was her performance at the Ravinia Festival in 1991. Ravinia is one of the oldest and most prestigious music festivals in the United States, and Merdinger's performance was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. She has also performed with a number of leading orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and the New Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to her work as a performer, Merdinger is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has taught at a number of institutions, including the Music Institute of Chicago and the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. She is known for her patient and supportive approach to teaching, and many of her students have gone on to successful careers as musicians. Merdinger has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Illinois Arts Council Fellowship, the National Federation of Music Clubs Young Artist Award, and the Union League Civic and Arts Foundation Award. She has also been a finalist in several international piano competitions, including the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition. Despite her many accomplishments, Merdinger remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to perform and teach, and is always seeking new ways to deepen her understanding of the music she loves. Her passion for classical music has inspired countless others, and she is widely regarded as one of the most talented and respected pianists of her generation.

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