Matthew Bengtson is a renowned classical pianist who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born in 1979 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bengtson grew up in a family of musicians. His mother was a pianist, and his father was a cellist, so it was only natural that Bengtson would develop a love for music at a young age. Bengtson began playing the piano when he was just four years old, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing in public. He attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied with renowned pianist Seymour Lipkin. Bengtson also studied with Leon Fleisher at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. Bengtson's talent as a pianist quickly became apparent, and he began to win awards and accolades for his performances. In 2003, he won the grand prize at the International Piano Competition of San Antonio, and in 2006, he was a finalist in the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Bengtson has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Royal Albert Hall in London. One of Bengtson's most notable performances was his 2010 recital at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The recital was part of the center's Fortas Chamber Music Concerts series, and Bengtson received rave reviews for his performance. The Washington Post called him a "pianist of uncommon sensitivity and intelligence," and praised his "impeccable technique and musicality." Bengtson is also an accomplished chamber musician, and has performed with some of the world's leading chamber ensembles, including the Brentano String Quartet and the Daedalus Quartet. He has also collaborated with many other musicians, including violinist Hilary Hahn and cellist David Finckel. In addition to his performing career, Bengtson is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently a professor of piano at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Bengtson has also recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of the complete piano works of American composer George Perle. His recordings have received praise from critics and audiences alike, and have helped to establish him as one of the leading pianists of his generation. In addition to his performing and teaching careers, Bengtson is also a scholar of music. He has written several articles and essays on music, and has given lectures and presentations on various topics related to classical music. He is particularly interested in the music of the 20th century, and has written extensively on the works of composers such as Perle, Elliott Carter, and Charles Ives. Bengtson's dedication to music has earned him numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to his competition wins, he has received grants and fellowships from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Musicological Society. Despite his many accomplishments, Bengtson remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform, teach, and write about music, and is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile pianists of his generation.

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