John Hess was born on May 15, 1985, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a classical pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Hess showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Hess received his formal music education at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied under the renowned pianist and teacher, Yoheved Kaplinsky. During his time at Juilliard, Hess won numerous awards and competitions, including the prestigious Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition in 2006. After graduating from Juilliard, Hess began his professional career as a concert pianist, performing in major venues around the world. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented and dynamic young pianists of his generation, known for his virtuosic technique and passionate interpretations of classical repertoire. One of Hess's most notable performances was his debut at Carnegie Hall in 2008, where he performed a program of works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt to critical acclaim. The New York Times praised his "dazzling technique and emotional depth," while The Washington Post called him "a pianist of extraordinary talent and promise." In addition to his solo performances, Hess has also collaborated with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has worked with many of the most respected conductors of our time, including Daniel Barenboim, Simon Rattle, and Valery Gergiev. Hess's recordings have also received widespread acclaim, with his debut album, featuring works by Beethoven and Chopin, being named one of the best classical recordings of the year by The New York Times. He has since released several more albums, including a recording of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the London Symphony Orchestra. Throughout his career, Hess has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the Gilmore Young Artist Award, and the Arthur Rubinstein Prize. He has also been a frequent guest on radio and television programs, including NPR's "Performance Today" and PBS's "Live from Lincoln Center." Despite his success, Hess remains dedicated to his craft and continues to push himself to new heights as a musician. He is known for his tireless work ethic and his commitment to exploring new repertoire and approaches to performance. In addition to his performing career, Hess is also a passionate educator and mentor to young musicians. He has taught masterclasses at universities and conservatories around the world and is a faculty member at the Juilliard School. Overall, John Hess is a true virtuoso of the piano, with a talent and passion for music that has captivated audiences around the world. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to excellence have made him one of the most respected and admired musicians of his generation.

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