Maria Curcio was a renowned classical pianist and teacher, born on August 27, 1918, in Naples, Italy. She was the daughter of a pianist and composer, and her mother was a singer. Her family moved to London when she was a child, and she began her musical studies at the Royal Academy of Music at the age of 12. Curcio's talent was quickly recognized, and she won several awards and prizes during her studies. She made her debut as a soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra at the age of 16, playing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3. This performance was highly praised by critics, and it marked the beginning of her successful career as a concert pianist. Curcio went on to perform with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. She was particularly known for her interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert, and she was admired for her technical skill and musical sensitivity. In addition to her performing career, Curcio was also a highly respected teacher. She taught at the Royal Academy of Music for many years, and her students included many successful pianists, such as Stephen Hough and Imogen Cooper. She was known for her rigorous approach to teaching, and for her ability to inspire her students to achieve their full potential. Curcio's recordings were also highly acclaimed, and she won several awards for her performances on record. She recorded the complete piano sonatas of Beethoven, as well as works by Mozart, Schubert, and Chopin. Curcio continued to perform and teach well into her later years, and she remained an important figure in the world of classical music until her death in 2009 at the age of 90. Her legacy as a performer and teacher continues to inspire generations of musicians.

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