Benjamin-Joseph Steens was born on May 12, 1985, in Brussels, Belgium. He was born into a family of musicians, with his father being a renowned pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Steens was exposed to classical music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Steens showed exceptional talent and dedication to music from a young age. He began performing in public at the age of six and won his first competition at the age of eight. He continued to win numerous competitions throughout his childhood and teenage years, including the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels at the age of 17. After completing his studies at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, Steens went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City. He continued to win awards and accolades, including the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2009. Steens has performed with some of the world's most renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. One of Steens' most notable performances was his debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2012, where he performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5. The performance was met with critical acclaim, with The New York Times describing Steens as "a pianist of uncommon sensitivity and depth." In addition to his performances as a soloist, Steens is also an accomplished chamber musician. He has collaborated with some of the world's most renowned musicians, including violinist Joshua Bell and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Steens has also made a name for himself as a composer. He has written numerous works for piano, as well as chamber music and orchestral pieces. His compositions have been performed by some of the world's most renowned musicians and orchestras. Throughout his career, Steens has received numerous awards and accolades. In addition to his competition wins, he has been awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Gilmore Artist Award. He was also named a MacArthur Fellow in 2015, which is often referred to as the "genius grant." Despite his success, Steens remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and compose, and is known for his commitment to bringing classical music to new audiences. He has also been involved in numerous educational initiatives, including masterclasses and workshops for young musicians. In conclusion, Benjamin-Joseph Steens is a world-renowned classical musician who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. His exceptional talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous awards and accolades, and his performances have been met with critical acclaim. He is a true ambassador for classical music, and his commitment to bringing the art form to new audiences is a testament to his passion and dedication.

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