Ruxandra Voda Van Der Plas is a Romanian-born classical pianist who has made a name for herself in the international music scene. She was born on December 22, 1983, in Bucharest, Romania, to a family of musicians. Her father, Ion Voda, was a renowned conductor, and her mother, Maria Voda, was a pianist. Ruxandra grew up in a musical environment and started playing the piano at the age of four. Ruxandra's talent was evident from a young age, and she quickly became a prodigy. She won her first piano competition at the age of six and went on to win numerous other competitions throughout her childhood. Her parents recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. At the age of 14, Ruxandra moved to the United States to study at the Juilliard School in New York City. She studied under the tutelage of renowned pianist Yoheved Kaplinsky and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2005. She then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with Solomon Mikowsky. Ruxandra's career as a professional pianist began in 2006 when she won the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The competition, held every four years in Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world. Ruxandra's victory was a major milestone in her career and brought her international recognition. Since then, Ruxandra has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Royal Albert Hall in London. She has collaborated with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Ruxandra's repertoire is vast and includes works by some of the greatest composers in history, such as Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. She is known for her technical prowess and her ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music she plays. In addition to her performances, Ruxandra is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School and has given masterclasses around the world. She is passionate about passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of musicians. Throughout her career, Ruxandra has received numerous awards and accolades. In addition to her victory at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, she has won the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition, the International Tchaikovsky Competition, and the International Chopin Piano Competition. She has also been awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Gilmore Artist Award, two of the most prestigious awards in classical music. Ruxandra's dedication to her craft and her passion for music have made her one of the most respected and admired pianists of her generation. Her performances are known for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, and she continues to inspire audiences around the world with her artistry.

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