Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for herself as a violist and chamber musician. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Milena grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a composer and conductor. Milena started playing the violin at the age of four and later switched to the viola. Milena's talent was evident from an early age, and she quickly became a sought-after performer. She studied at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. During her time at Curtis, Milena studied with renowned violists such as Roberto Díaz and Michael Tree. After completing her studies, Milena embarked on a successful career as a chamber musician and soloist. She has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Milena has also collaborated with many of the world's most celebrated musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Joshua Bell. One of Milena's most significant achievements was her appointment as the violist of the Dover Quartet in 2012. The Dover Quartet is one of the most highly regarded chamber ensembles in the world, and Milena's addition to the group only added to their success. The quartet has won numerous awards, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Cleveland Quartet Award. Milena has also received many accolades for her solo performances. In 2014, she won the Primrose International Viola Competition, one of the most prestigious competitions for violists. The following year, she was awarded the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, which recognizes outstanding classical musicians of color. Milena is also a passionate advocate for music education and outreach. She has worked with organizations such as Music for Food, which raises awareness of hunger issues through classical music performances. Milena has also taught masterclasses and workshops at institutions such as the Juilliard School and the New World Symphony. In addition to her performing and teaching career, Milena is also a dedicated researcher and scholar. She has written articles on topics such as the history of the viola and the role of chamber music in society. Milena is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Manhattan School of Music, where she is studying with Karen Ritscher. Milena's talent, dedication, and passion for music have made her one of the most respected and admired classical musicians of her generation. Her performances have captivated audiences around the world, and her commitment to music education and outreach has inspired countless young musicians. Milena's future in the world of classical music is sure to be bright, and her contributions to the art form will undoubtedly continue to be significant.

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