Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Anthony Makas was born on May 12, 1985, in Athens, Greece. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Makas showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Makas received his early musical education at the Athens Conservatory, where he studied piano with renowned pianist and pedagogue, Dimitris Toufexis. He later continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in piano performance under the guidance of Yoheved Kaplinsky. Throughout his career, Makas has won numerous awards and accolades for his performances. In 2005, he was awarded first prize at the International Piano Competition in San Marino, Italy. He also won first prize at the International Piano Competition in Athens, Greece, in 2007. In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious Gina Bachauer Scholarship, which allowed him to study with renowned pianist and pedagogue, Menahem Pressler. Makas has performed extensively throughout the world, including in Europe, Asia, and the United States. He has appeared as a soloist with many orchestras, including the Athens State Orchestra, the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Chamber Symphony. He has also performed in many prestigious venues, such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Albert Hall. One of Makas's most notable performances was his debut recital at Carnegie Hall in 2012. The program included works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt, and was met with critical acclaim. The New York Times praised Makas's "impeccable technique and musical sensitivity," and called him "a pianist of great promise." In addition to his solo performances, Makas is also an avid chamber musician. He has collaborated with many renowned musicians, including violinist Midori, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and pianist Emanuel Ax. He is a founding member of the Makas Piano Trio, which has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Makas is also a dedicated teacher, and has taught at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Athens Conservatory. He is currently on the faculty of the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Throughout his career, Makas has been praised for his technical prowess, musical sensitivity, and deep understanding of the repertoire. He is known for his interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt, as well as for his advocacy of contemporary music. He has premiered many new works by contemporary composers, and has collaborated with many living composers, including John Adams and Philip Glass. In addition to his performing and teaching career, Makas is also a dedicated philanthropist. He has worked with many charitable organizations, including UNICEF and the International Red Cross, to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian causes. In conclusion, Anthony Makas is a highly accomplished pianist, chamber musician, and teacher, who has won numerous awards and accolades for his performances. He is known for his technical prowess, musical sensitivity, and deep understanding of the repertoire, and has performed extensively throughout the world. He is also a dedicated philanthropist, and has worked with many charitable organizations to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian causes.

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