Steven Vanhauwaert is a Belgian-American classical pianist who has gained international recognition for his virtuosic performances and insightful interpretations of a wide range of repertoire. Born in Brussels in 1983, Vanhauwaert began playing the piano at the age of four and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and later at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent, where he earned his Master's degree with highest honors. In 2003, Vanhauwaert moved to the United States to pursue further studies at the Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, where he studied with renowned pianist and pedagogue, John Perry. During his time at the Colburn Conservatory, Vanhauwaert won numerous awards and competitions, including the prestigious Grand Prize at the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition in 2004. Since then, Vanhauwaert has established himself as a sought-after performer and collaborator, appearing as a soloist with orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Pacific Symphony, and the Flemish Radio Orchestra. He has also performed in major concert halls and festivals around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Ravinia Festival. Vanhauwaert's repertoire is diverse and includes works from the Baroque to the contemporary era. He has a particular affinity for the music of Franz Liszt, and has performed and recorded several of his works, including the complete Transcendental Etudes. He is also a champion of lesser-known composers, and has premiered works by contemporary composers such as Thomas Adès and Frederic Rzewski. In addition to his solo career, Vanhauwaert is an active chamber musician and collaborator. He has performed with renowned artists such as violinist Sarah Chang, cellist Lynn Harrell, and clarinetist David Shifrin. He is also a founding member of the award-winning piano trio, the Westhuizen Duo, with whom he has recorded several albums. Vanhauwaert's recordings have received critical acclaim, with his album of Liszt's Transcendental Etudes being hailed as a "tour de force" by Gramophone magazine. He has also been featured on numerous radio and television programs, including NPR's Performance Today and the BBC's In Tune. In addition to his performing career, Vanhauwaert is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at several institutions, including the Colburn Conservatory of Music and the University of California, Los Angeles. He is currently on the faculty of the California State University, Northridge, where he teaches piano and chamber music. Throughout his career, Vanhauwaert has received numerous awards and honors, including the Belgian American Educational Foundation Fellowship, the Fulbright Scholarship, and the Young Belgian Talent Award. He is also a laureate of the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels. In conclusion, Steven Vanhauwaert is a highly accomplished and versatile pianist who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. His virtuosic performances and insightful interpretations have earned him international recognition, and his dedication to promoting lesser-known composers and educating the next generation of musicians is a testament to his passion for the art form.

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