Jessie Reagen was born on May 12, 1985, in New York City. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her mother being a pianist and her father a cellist. From a young age, Reagen showed a natural talent for music and began taking piano lessons at the age of five. As she grew older, Reagen became more interested in classical music and began studying the works of composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. She also began taking lessons in violin and cello, and by the age of 12, she had already performed in several local concerts. Reagen attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied piano under the tutelage of renowned pianist and teacher, Yoheved Kaplinsky. During her time at Juilliard, Reagen won several awards and competitions, including the prestigious Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition. After graduating from Juilliard, Reagen began performing professionally, both as a soloist and as a member of various chamber music ensembles. She quickly gained a reputation as a talented and versatile musician, with a particular talent for interpreting the works of contemporary composers. One of Reagen's most notable performances was her debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2010. She performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 to critical acclaim, with The New York Times praising her "impeccable technique and musical sensitivity." In addition to her performances, Reagen has also been active in music education. She has taught master classes at several universities and conservatories, including the Curtis Institute of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Reagen has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In addition to her win at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, she has also won the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Avery Fisher Career Grant. She was also named a MacArthur Fellow in 2015, receiving a "genius grant" for her contributions to the field of classical music. Despite her success, Reagen remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to perform regularly and is known for her passionate and expressive interpretations of classical music. Her dedication to music education has also inspired countless young musicians, and she remains a beloved figure in the classical music world.

More....