Evangeline Benedetti was born on May 22, 1945, in New York City. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her father being a violinist and her mother a pianist. From a young age, Benedetti showed a natural talent for music and began studying the cello at the age of six. Benedetti's early musical education was under the tutelage of Leonard Rose, one of the most renowned cellists of the 20th century. She continued her studies at the Juilliard School, where she earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music. In 1968, Benedetti joined the New York Philharmonic as the youngest member of the cello section. She quickly established herself as a standout performer, earning critical acclaim for her technical skill and musicality. Benedetti remained with the New York Philharmonic for over 30 years, becoming one of the orchestra's most beloved and respected members. Throughout her career, Benedetti was also an active chamber musician, performing with some of the most esteemed ensembles in the world. She was a founding member of the New York String Quartet, which was known for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances. Benedetti also collaborated with other notable musicians, including pianist Emanuel Ax and violinist Itzhak Perlman. Benedetti's solo career was equally impressive, with performances that showcased her mastery of the cello. She made her solo debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1971, performing the Dvorak Cello Concerto under the baton of Leonard Bernstein. She went on to perform with many other major orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her performances, Benedetti was also a respected teacher and mentor. She served on the faculty of the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music, where she helped to train the next generation of cellists. Benedetti was known for her dedication to her students, and many of them went on to have successful careers in music. Benedetti's contributions to classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. She was a recipient of the Avery Fisher Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. She was also awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton in 1999, in recognition of her contributions to American culture. Benedetti retired from the New York Philharmonic in 2001, but continued to perform and teach. She passed away on December 27, 2019, at the age of 74. Benedetti's legacy as a musician and educator continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians.

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