Birth

:

July 9, 1924

Death

:

September 18, 1978

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Ballet

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Maro Ajemian was a renowned classical music artist who was born on February 1, 1921, in New York City. She was the daughter of Armenian immigrants and grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. Her father was a violinist, and her mother was a pianist, so it was no surprise that Maro showed an early interest in music. Maro began her musical education at the age of five, studying piano with her mother. She quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument and began performing in public at the age of eight. By the time she was a teenager, Maro was already an accomplished pianist, and she decided to pursue a career in music. In 1940, Maro enrolled at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where she studied with the renowned pianist and teacher, Josef Lhevinne. She also studied with Rosina Lhévinne, who was also a famous pianist and teacher. Maro's talent and dedication to her craft quickly became apparent, and she was soon performing in concerts and recitals throughout the city. One of Maro's most significant performances came in 1943 when she performed at Carnegie Hall as part of the Young Artists Concert series. She received critical acclaim for her performance, and it helped to launch her career as a concert pianist. Over the next few years, Maro continued to perform in concerts and recitals throughout the United States, and she also began to gain international recognition. In 1947, Maro made her debut in Europe, performing in London and Paris. She received rave reviews for her performances, and she quickly became a sought-after pianist in Europe. Over the next few years, Maro continued to perform in Europe, and she also made several recordings. In 1950, Maro returned to the United States and began to focus on teaching. She joined the faculty at the Manhattan School of Music, where she taught for over 30 years. She also continued to perform in concerts and recitals, and she became known for her interpretations of contemporary music. One of Maro's most significant contributions to the world of classical music was her work as a champion of contemporary music. She was a close friend of many contemporary composers, including John Cage, Henry Cowell, and Lou Harrison. She performed many of their works and helped to promote their music to a wider audience. Maro also received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1951, she was awarded the Town Hall Award for Outstanding Young American Pianist. In 1963, she was awarded the Laurel Leaf Award by the American Composers Alliance for her contributions to contemporary music. In 1981, she was awarded the Ditson Conductor's Award for her work as a performer and promoter of contemporary music. Maro continued to perform and teach until her death in 1978. She was a beloved figure in the world of classical music, and her contributions to the art form continue to be celebrated today.

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