Thomas Jakobs was born on May 15, 1985, in Vienna, Austria. He was born into a family of musicians, with his father being a renowned pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Thomas was exposed to classical music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Thomas showed exceptional talent and dedication to music from a young age. He began performing in public at the age of six and won his first piano competition at the age of eight. He continued to win numerous competitions throughout his childhood and teenage years, including the prestigious International Piano Competition in Vienna at the age of 16. After completing his studies at the Vienna Conservatory, Thomas went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City. There, he studied under the guidance of renowned pianist and teacher, Yoheved Kaplinsky. During his time at Juilliard, Thomas won several awards and competitions, including the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Thomas has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Royal Albert Hall. He has collaborated with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Vienna Philharmonic. One of Thomas's most memorable performances was his debut at Carnegie Hall in 2009. He performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 with the New York Philharmonic, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. The New York Times praised his performance, stating that "Jakobs played with a combination of technical brilliance and emotional depth that left the audience spellbound." In addition to his performances, Thomas is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught masterclasses at several universities and conservatories around the world, including the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Moscow Conservatory. Many of his students have gone on to win competitions and pursue successful careers in music. Throughout his career, Thomas has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to classical music. In 2012, he was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians who show great potential for a major career in music. He has also been awarded the Gilmore Artist Award and the Arthur Rubinstein Prize. Thomas continues to perform and teach around the world, inspiring audiences and students with his passion and dedication to classical music. His performances are known for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, and he is widely regarded as one of the most talented pianists of his generation.

More....