Birth

:

in Moscow, Russia

 

Nelly Akopian-Tamarina is a renowned classical pianist who has captivated audiences around the world with her virtuosic performances and deep musicality. Born in Moscow, Russia in 1948, Akopian-Tamarina began playing the piano at the age of five and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She studied at the Moscow Conservatory under the tutelage of legendary pianist and teacher Heinrich Neuhaus, who also taught such luminaries as Sviatoslav Richter and Emil Gilels. Akopian-Tamarina's early career was marked by numerous successes and accolades. In 1970, she won first prize at the International Schumann Competition in Zwickau, Germany, and in 1972 she was awarded the prestigious Lenin Prize for her interpretation of the music of Sergei Prokofiev. She also performed extensively throughout the Soviet Union and Europe, earning critical acclaim for her performances of works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. In 1975, Akopian-Tamarina emigrated from the Soviet Union to the United States, where she continued to build her career as a performer and teacher. She made her American debut at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and went on to perform with major orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She also appeared at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center in New York City. Throughout her career, Akopian-Tamarina has been known for her deep musicality and technical prowess. She has a particular affinity for the music of Beethoven, and has recorded all of his piano sonatas as well as his Diabelli Variations. She has also recorded works by Chopin, Schumann, and Prokofiev, among others. In addition to her performing career, Akopian-Tamarina has also been a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the New England Conservatory, among other institutions. Her students have gone on to win numerous awards and competitions, and many have become successful performers and teachers in their own right. Akopian-Tamarina's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2003, she was awarded the Order of Friendship by the Russian Federation for her contributions to Russian culture. She has also been awarded the Prokofiev Prize, the Chopin Society of New York's Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Boston University College of Fine Arts Distinguished Alumni Award. Despite her many accomplishments, Akopian-Tamarina remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to perform and teach, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest pianists of her generation. Her recordings and performances are a testament to her deep love of music and her unwavering commitment to excellence.

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