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Alexander Tamir was a renowned classical pianist and music educator who was born on August 11, 1931, in Jerusalem, Israel. He was the son of a prominent lawyer and a mother who was a talented pianist. Tamir's parents recognized his musical talent at an early age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Tamir began his piano studies at the age of six with the renowned pianist and teacher, Helena Zehavi. He quickly showed exceptional talent and was soon performing in public concerts. At the age of 12, Tamir was accepted into the Jerusalem Conservatory of Music, where he continued his studies with Zehavi and other distinguished teachers. In 1948, Tamir traveled to Paris to study with the legendary pianist and teacher, Marguerite Long. Long was impressed with Tamir's talent and invited him to study with her for several years. During this time, Tamir also studied with other renowned pianists, including Alfred Cortot and Edwin Fischer. Tamir's career as a concert pianist began in the early 1950s when he returned to Israel and began performing in public concerts. He quickly gained a reputation as one of Israel's most talented young pianists and was invited to perform with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. In 1955, Tamir won first prize in the prestigious Geneva International Piano Competition, which launched his international career. He went on to perform in major concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Salle Pleyel in Paris. Tamir was known for his virtuosic technique and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music he played. He was particularly admired for his interpretations of the music of Chopin, Schumann, and Brahms. In addition to his career as a concert pianist, Tamir was also a dedicated music educator. He taught at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance for over 40 years and was known for his ability to inspire and mentor young musicians. Many of his students went on to have successful careers as performers and teachers. Tamir was also a passionate advocate for the arts and was involved in numerous cultural organizations in Israel. He was a founding member of the Israel Music Teachers Association and served as its president for many years. He was also a member of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra's board of directors and was involved in the establishment of the Jerusalem Music Center. Throughout his career, Tamir received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music and culture. In 1986, he was awarded the Israel Prize, the country's highest honor for achievement in the arts and sciences. He was also awarded the Jerusalem Prize in 1991 and the Wolf Prize in Arts in 2005. Tamir continued to perform and teach until his death on June 25, 2019, at the age of 87. He left behind a legacy as one of Israel's most beloved and respected musicians, and his contributions to music and culture will be remembered for generations to come.

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