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February 10, 1987 in Beijing, China

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Yuja Wang is a Chinese classical pianist who has gained international recognition for her virtuosic performances and unique interpretations of classical repertoire. Born on February 10, 1987, in Beijing, China, Wang began playing the piano at the age of six and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Her parents, both amateur musicians, recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Wang's early training was rigorous, and she spent many hours practicing each day. She studied at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, where she was mentored by renowned pianist and teacher Zhe Tang. In 1999, at the age of 12, Wang won the prestigious National Piano Competition in China, which helped to launch her career. In 2001, Wang moved to Canada to study at the Mount Royal Conservatory in Calgary. She continued to excel in her studies and won several awards, including the Canadian National Music Festival and the Calgary Concerto Competition. In 2002, she made her debut with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1. Wang's talent and hard work paid off when she was accepted into the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, one of the most prestigious music schools in the world. There, she studied with renowned pianist Gary Graffman and continued to hone her skills. In 2005, she won the Philadelphia Orchestra's Greenfield Competition, which led to her debut with the orchestra the following year. Wang's career continued to flourish, and she began to perform with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. She also began to receive critical acclaim for her performances, with many critics praising her technical skill and musicality. One of Wang's most notable performances came in 2009, when she performed Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the San Francisco Symphony. Her performance was so impressive that it was broadcast on PBS's Great Performances series and was later released on DVD. Wang has also made a name for herself as a recitalist, performing solo piano works in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls. In 2011, she performed a recital at Carnegie Hall that was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. She has also performed at the Royal Festival Hall in London, the Berlin Philharmonie, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. In addition to her performances, Wang has also recorded several albums, including a recording of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Her recordings have received critical acclaim and have helped to cement her reputation as one of the world's leading classical pianists. Wang's talent and hard work have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2006, she was named a Steinway Artist, joining a select group of pianists who are endorsed by the prestigious piano manufacturer. She has also been awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the Gilmore Young Artist Award, and the Musical America Instrumentalist of the Year award. Despite her success, Wang remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to practice for several hours each day and is always looking for ways to improve her playing. She is also committed to promoting classical music to a wider audience and has worked with several organizations to bring music education to underprivileged children.

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