George Baker was a renowned classical music artist who was born on April 28, 1921, in London, England. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. George showed an interest in music from a young age and started playing the piano when he was just four years old. George's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied piano and composition. He was a gifted student and won several awards during his time at the academy. After completing his studies, George started performing as a solo pianist. He quickly gained a reputation for his technical skill and musicality. He was invited to perform at several prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall and the Wigmore Hall. In 1948, George made his debut with the London Symphony Orchestra, playing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5. The performance was a huge success, and George was praised for his interpretation of the piece. He went on to perform with many other orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the Berlin Philharmonic. Throughout his career, George was known for his love of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. He was particularly interested in Bach's keyboard music and spent many years studying and performing it. He was also a champion of contemporary music and premiered several works by British composers. In addition to his performing career, George was also a respected teacher. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Many of his students went on to have successful careers in music. George received many awards and honors during his lifetime. In 1961, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. One of the highlights of George's career was his performance at the Proms in 1970. He played Bach's Goldberg Variations, which was broadcast live on television. The performance was a huge success and helped to cement George's reputation as one of the greatest pianists of his generation. Another memorable performance was his 80th birthday concert at the Wigmore Hall in 2001. He played a program of Bach, Beethoven, and Schubert, and was joined on stage by several of his former students. The concert was a celebration of George's life and career, and was attended by many of his friends and colleagues. George continued to perform and teach well into his 80s. He was a beloved figure in the classical music world and was admired for his dedication to his art. He passed away on October 8, 2016, at the age of 95. In conclusion, George Baker was a gifted pianist and teacher who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His technical skill and musicality were admired by audiences and critics alike, and he was a champion of both Bach's music and contemporary music. He received many awards and honors during his lifetime, and his performances at the Proms and his 80th birthday concert were particularly memorable. George's legacy lives on through his recordings and the many musicians he taught and inspired.

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