David Schotzko is a renowned classical pianist who has captivated audiences around the world with his virtuosic performances and deep musicality. Born in 1975 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Schotzko showed an early aptitude for music, beginning piano lessons at the age of five. He quickly demonstrated a natural talent for the instrument, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing in public concerts and competitions. Schotzko's musical education continued at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. He then went on to pursue graduate studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied with the legendary pianist and pedagogue Yoheved Kaplinsky. Under Kaplinsky's tutelage, Schotzko honed his technical skills and developed a deep understanding of the nuances of musical interpretation. Schotzko's career as a professional pianist began to take off in the early 2000s, when he won several major competitions, including the Hilton Head International Piano Competition and the World Piano Competition in Cincinnati. These victories brought him to the attention of concert presenters and music critics, who praised his "dazzling technique" and "sensitive musicality." Since then, Schotzko has performed as a soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also given recitals in major concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Sydney Opera House. One of Schotzko's most memorable performances was his debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2006, when he played Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 under the baton of conductor Lorin Maazel. The performance was hailed as a triumph, with the New York Times praising Schotzko's "brilliant technique" and "soulful interpretation." Schotzko has also been recognized for his recordings, which have received critical acclaim and numerous awards. His recording of the complete piano works of Maurice Ravel was named one of the best classical recordings of the year by the New York Times, and his recording of the complete piano sonatas of Beethoven won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance. In addition to his performing career, Schotzko is also a dedicated teacher and mentor to young musicians. He has served on the faculty of the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music, and has given masterclasses and workshops at universities and conservatories around the world. Throughout his career, Schotzko has remained committed to exploring the full range of the piano repertoire, from the classics of the 18th and 19th centuries to the works of contemporary composers. His performances are marked by a deep emotional intensity and a profound respect for the music he plays. In recognition of his contributions to the world of classical music, Schotzko has received numerous awards and honors, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the Gilmore Young Artist Award, and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition's Jury Discretionary Award. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and exciting pianists of his generation, and his performances continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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