Julian Hersh was born on May 15, 1985, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his mother being a pianist and his father a cellist. From a young age, Hersh showed a natural talent for music and began taking piano lessons at the age of four. Hersh's parents recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied under renowned pianist and teacher, Yoheved Kaplinsky. Hersh quickly distinguished himself as a prodigious talent, winning numerous awards and competitions throughout his time at Juilliard. After graduating from Juilliard, Hersh continued his studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. There, he studied under the tutelage of renowned pianist and teacher, Gary Graffman. Hersh's time at Curtis was marked by numerous accolades, including the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant. Hersh's career as a concert pianist began in earnest after he won the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2009. The competition, held every four years in Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world. Hersh's victory catapulted him to international fame and established him as one of the most promising young pianists of his generation. Since winning the Van Cliburn Competition, Hersh has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Hersh's repertoire is wide-ranging, encompassing works by classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, as well as more contemporary composers such as Philip Glass and John Adams. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the works of Chopin, and has been praised for his ability to bring out the emotional depth and complexity of Chopin's music. In addition to his career as a concert pianist, Hersh is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music, and has given masterclasses around the world. Hersh is known for his patient and nurturing teaching style, and has helped to inspire and guide countless young pianists. Throughout his career, Hersh has received numerous awards and honors. In addition to the Avery Fisher Career Grant, he has been awarded the Gilmore Young Artist Award, the Arthur Rubinstein Prize, and the Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award. He has also been named a Steinway Artist, and has recorded several critically acclaimed albums for the Steinway label. Despite his many accomplishments, Hersh remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to practice for several hours a day, and is always seeking to improve his technique and interpretation. He is also committed to using his platform to promote classical music and inspire the next generation of musicians. In conclusion, Julian Hersh is one of the most talented and accomplished pianists of his generation. His natural talent, combined with his dedication and hard work, have propelled him to the top of his field. He is a true ambassador for classical music, and his performances continue to inspire and move audiences around the world.

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