Praxedis Hug-Rütti was a Swiss classical music artist who was born on August 17, 1942, in the town of St. Gallen, Switzerland. She was the daughter of a music teacher and grew up in a family that was deeply involved in music. Her father, Hans Hug, was a well-known conductor and composer, and her mother, Margrit Hug, was a pianist and music teacher. Praxedis began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. She went on to study at the Zurich Conservatory, where she received her diploma in piano performance. She then continued her studies in Paris with the renowned pianist and pedagogue, Marguerite Long. In 1965, Praxedis made her debut as a soloist with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra, performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21. This performance marked the beginning of a long and successful career as a concert pianist. Over the years, she performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. One of the highlights of Praxedis's career was her performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Vienna Philharmonic in 1977. This performance was widely praised by critics and established her as one of the leading pianists of her generation. In addition to her work as a soloist, Praxedis was also a dedicated chamber musician. She frequently performed with her husband, the Swiss cellist Walter Grimmer, and together they formed the Hug-Rütti Duo. The duo recorded several albums together, including a highly acclaimed recording of Beethoven's complete works for cello and piano. Throughout her career, Praxedis was recognized for her outstanding contributions to classical music. She received numerous awards and honors, including the Swiss Music Prize, the Prix de Lausanne, and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. In addition to her work as a performer, Praxedis was also a respected teacher and mentor. She taught at the Zurich Conservatory for many years and was known for her dedication to her students. Many of her students went on to successful careers as musicians, and she remained a beloved figure in the Swiss music community until her death in 2018. Praxedis Hug-Rütti's legacy as a musician and teacher continues to inspire generations of classical musicians. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to excellence serve as a model for aspiring musicians around the world.

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