Iberian & Klavier Piano Duo is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1997 by pianists Sonia Leong and Joseph Williams. The duo has gained international recognition for their unique blend of Spanish and Latin American music with classical repertoire. Sonia Leong was born in Singapore and began her piano studies at the age of four. She later studied at the Royal College of Music in London and the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. Joseph Williams was born in the United States and studied at the Juilliard School in New York City. The two met while studying at the University of Maryland and formed the Iberian & Klavier Piano Duo shortly after. The ensemble's name reflects their focus on Spanish and Latin American music, as "Iberian" refers to the Iberian Peninsula (which includes Spain and Portugal) and "Klavier" is the German word for piano. The duo's repertoire includes works by Spanish and Latin American composers such as Manuel de Falla, Isaac Albéniz, and Astor Piazzolla, as well as classical composers like Mozart and Beethoven. One of the duo's early highlights was their performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in 1998. They were also invited to perform at the White House for President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton in 1999. The duo has since performed at major venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. In addition to their performances, Iberian & Klavier Piano Duo has also received numerous awards and accolades. They were the first piano duo to win the Concert Artists Guild International Competition in 2000, which led to a recording contract with Naxos Records. Their debut album, "Spanish Dances," was released in 2002 and received critical acclaim. The duo has also been recognized for their educational outreach efforts. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops at universities and music schools around the world, and have been featured in educational programs on PBS and NPR. Iberian & Klavier Piano Duo continues to perform and record, with their most recent album, "Tango Nuevo," released in 2019. The album features works by Astor Piazzolla and other composers who have been influenced by the tango. Overall, Iberian & Klavier Piano Duo has established themselves as one of the premier piano duos in the world, known for their unique blend of classical and Spanish/Latin American music. Their performances and recordings have received critical acclaim, and their educational outreach efforts have helped to inspire the next generation of classical musicians.

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