Birth

:

July 18, 1929 in Luanda, Angola

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Sequeira Costa is a renowned classical pianist who was born on June 18, 1929, in Lisbon, Portugal. He began his musical journey at the age of four when he started playing the piano. His talent was quickly recognized, and he was accepted into the National Conservatory of Lisbon at the age of six. At the age of nine, Sequeira Costa gave his first public performance, and by the age of twelve, he had already won several national competitions. He continued his studies at the Conservatory, where he was taught by some of the most distinguished teachers of the time, including Campos Coelho, Francine Benoit, and Marguerite Long. In 1948, Sequeira Costa won the first prize at the Vianna da Motta International Music Competition, which was a turning point in his career. This victory opened the doors to international recognition, and he was invited to perform in several countries, including France, Spain, Italy, and Brazil. In 1950, Sequeira Costa moved to Paris to continue his studies with Marguerite Long. He also studied with other renowned pianists, including Edwin Fischer and Alfred Cortot. During this time, he won several international competitions, including the Geneva International Music Competition and the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition in Brussels. Sequeira Costa's international career took off in the 1950s, and he became a sought-after pianist, performing with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. He also performed in major concert halls, such as Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. In addition to his solo career, Sequeira Costa was also a dedicated chamber musician. He performed with many renowned musicians, including cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, violinist Yehudi Menuhin, and pianist Martha Argerich. Sequeira Costa's repertoire was vast and included works by some of the greatest composers of all time, such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. He was particularly known for his interpretations of the works of Portuguese composer Fernando Lopes-Graça, whose music he championed throughout his career. Throughout his career, Sequeira Costa received numerous awards and honors. In 1973, he was awarded the Order of Saint James of the Sword by the President of Portugal, and in 1985, he was awarded the Medal of Cultural Merit by the Portuguese government. He was also awarded the Medal of Honor by the City of Lisbon in 1999. Sequeira Costa was a dedicated teacher, and he taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music in London, the Geneva Conservatory, and the University of Kansas. He was also a visiting professor at the University of Southern California and the University of Texas at Austin. Sequeira Costa continued to perform and teach well into his eighties. He passed away on July 21, 2019, at the age of 90. His legacy as a pianist and teacher continues to inspire generations of musicians.

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