Charlene Farrugia is a Maltese classical pianist who has gained international recognition for her virtuosic performances and musical interpretations. Born on October 22, 1983, in Malta, Charlene showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. She was a prodigious talent and quickly progressed through the grades, winning numerous competitions and awards along the way. Charlene's musical education began at the Johann Strauss School of Music in Malta, where she studied under the tutelage of Maria Dolores Azzopardi. She later went on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England, where she received a Bachelor of Music degree with first-class honors. She continued her studies at the Royal College of Music in London, where she earned a Master of Music degree with distinction. Throughout her education, Charlene received numerous awards and accolades for her performances. In 2003, she won the prestigious Malta International Piano Competition, which helped to launch her career as a professional pianist. She also won the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholarship in 2004, which allowed her to study at the Royal Northern College of Music. Charlene's career as a concert pianist began in earnest after she completed her studies at the Royal College of Music. She has since performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Konzerthaus in Vienna, and the Carnegie Hall in New York. She has also performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. One of Charlene's most notable performances was her debut at the Wigmore Hall in London in 2009. She performed a program of works by Beethoven, Schumann, and Chopin, which received critical acclaim from the audience and the press. The Times described her performance as "a revelation, with a technical brilliance and musical sensitivity that left the audience spellbound." Charlene has also been recognized for her recordings, which have received critical acclaim and won several awards. Her debut album, "Chopin: The Four Ballades," was released in 2011 and was praised for its technical precision and emotional depth. The album won the Malta Music Award for Best Classical Album in 2012. In addition to her performances and recordings, Charlene is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has taught at the Royal College of Music in London and the Johann Strauss School of Music in Malta, and has given masterclasses and workshops around the world. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of musicians and helping to inspire a love of classical music in young people. Charlene's dedication to her craft and her passion for music have earned her numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 2014, she was awarded the Malta Order of Merit by the President of Malta in recognition of her contributions to the arts. She was also named the Malta Female Artist of the Year in 2015 and was awarded the prestigious Premju għall-Arti (National Arts Award) in 2016. Charlene Farrugia is a true ambassador for classical music and a shining example of the power of dedication and hard work.

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