Clemens Zeilinger is a renowned classical music artist known for his exceptional skills as a pianist and conductor. Born on August 22, 1979, in Vienna, Austria, Zeilinger showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. His parents, both music teachers, recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Zeilinger's musical education began at the Vienna Conservatory, where he studied piano under the guidance of Professor Oleg Maisenberg. He later continued his studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, where he received his diploma in piano performance with distinction. During his studies, Zeilinger also attended masterclasses with renowned pianists such as András Schiff, Murray Perahia, and Alfred Brendel. Zeilinger's talent as a pianist was quickly recognized, and he began performing in concerts and competitions at a young age. In 1995, he won first prize at the International Piano Competition in San Sebastian, Spain, and in 1997, he won the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholarship. He also won the Austrian National Piano Competition in 1998 and was a finalist in the International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna in 2001. In addition to his success as a pianist, Zeilinger also showed a keen interest in conducting. He studied conducting with Professor Mark Stringer at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and later with Professor Jorma Panula at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. In 2004, he won the International Conducting Competition in Besançon, France, and was subsequently invited to conduct the Orchestre National de France. Zeilinger's career as a pianist and conductor has taken him to some of the world's most prestigious concert halls. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras such as the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, the Munich Philharmonic, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also conducted orchestras such as the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestre National de France. One of Zeilinger's most memorable performances was his debut at the Salzburg Festival in 2006. He performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle. The performance was widely praised by critics, who noted Zeilinger's "sensitive and nuanced playing" and his "deep understanding of Beethoven's music." Zeilinger has also been recognized for his recordings. In 2008, he released a recording of Beethoven's Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, which was praised for its "clarity and precision." He has also recorded works by Mozart, Schubert, and Brahms, among others. In addition to his performing career, Zeilinger is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught piano and conducting at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and has given masterclasses in Europe, Asia, and the United States. He is known for his patient and encouraging teaching style, and many of his students have gone on to successful careers in music. Zeilinger's talent and dedication to music have earned him numerous awards and honors. In 2007, he was awarded the Austrian State Prize for Music, and in 2010, he was named a Steinway Artist. He has also been awarded the Beethoven Ring of Honor, the highest honor given by the Beethoven Society of Vienna.

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