Demetrius Polyzoides was a renowned classical music artist who was born on May 15, 1950, in Athens, Greece. He was the youngest of three children born to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Demetrius grew up in a musical environment, and his parents encouraged him to pursue a career in music. At the age of six, Demetrius started taking piano lessons from his mother. He showed exceptional talent and quickly progressed. By the age of ten, he had already given his first public performance, playing Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major. His performance was well-received, and it was clear that he had a bright future ahead of him. In 1960, Demetrius's family moved to Paris, France, where he continued his musical education. He studied at the Conservatoire de Paris, where he was taught by some of the most renowned pianists of the time. He also attended masterclasses by famous pianists such as Arthur Rubinstein and Vladimir Horowitz. In 1968, Demetrius won first prize at the International Piano Competition in Geneva, Switzerland. This was a significant achievement for him, and it opened up many doors for his career. He was invited to perform at some of the most prestigious concert halls in Europe, including the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. In 1972, Demetrius made his debut in the United States, performing at the Lincoln Center in New York City. His performance was a huge success, and he received critical acclaim from the American press. He was invited to perform at many other venues in the US, including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Throughout his career, Demetrius was known for his exceptional technique and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music he played. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the works of Chopin, Beethoven, and Mozart. He was also a champion of contemporary music and premiered many works by modern composers. In addition to his solo performances, Demetrius was also a sought-after chamber musician. He frequently collaborated with other musicians, including violinists, cellists, and singers. He was a member of several chamber music ensembles, including the Trio Polyzoides, which he formed with his siblings. Demetrius received many awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to his win at the International Piano Competition in Geneva, he also won first prize at the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland, in 1975. He was awarded the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government in 1982, and he was made a Knight of the Order of the Legion of Honor in 1995. Despite his success, Demetrius remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to practice for several hours every day, even in his later years. He was also a devoted teacher and taught at several music schools and universities throughout his career. Demetrius Polyzoides passed away on June 10, 2015, at the age of 65. His death was a great loss to the classical music world, and he was mourned by many. However, his legacy lives on through his recordings and the many musicians he inspired and taught throughout his career.

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