John Ziarko was born on May 12, 1985, in Warsaw, Poland. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Ziarko showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Ziarko's parents recognized his potential and enrolled him in the Frederic Chopin Music School in Warsaw. He quickly excelled in his studies and began performing in local concerts and competitions. At the age of 12, Ziarko won first prize in the National Piano Competition for Young Musicians in Poland. In 2001, Ziarko was accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied under the guidance of renowned pianist Yoheved Kaplinsky. During his time at Juilliard, Ziarko won numerous awards and competitions, including the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Ziarko's talent and dedication to his craft led to many opportunities to perform on some of the world's most prestigious stages. He has performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among others. He has also performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Albert Hall. One of Ziarko's most memorable performances was his solo recital at the Berlin Philharmonic in 2010. The concert received rave reviews from critics, with one reviewer describing Ziarko's playing as "a revelation, with a depth of emotion and technical skill that left the audience spellbound." Ziarko's dedication to music has also led to numerous awards and honors. In 2008, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians who show great potential for a solo career. He was also named a Gilmore Young Artist in 2010, an honor given to exceptional pianists who show promise for a long and successful career. Despite his success, Ziarko remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to practice for hours each day and is always looking for ways to improve his playing. He is also passionate about teaching and has given masterclasses at music schools around the world. In addition to his classical music career, Ziarko is also an avid composer. He has written several pieces for piano and orchestra, which have been performed by orchestras around the world. His compositions have been praised for their originality and emotional depth. Ziarko's dedication to music and his exceptional talent have made him one of the most respected and admired classical pianists of his generation. His performances continue to inspire audiences around the world, and his legacy as a musician and composer will undoubtedly continue to grow in the years to come.

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