Maria João Pires

About

Specialized in classical and romantic repertoire. She was known for the intimacy and beauty of her interpretations.

Before Fame

She came in first at the Beethoven Bicentennial Competition in 1970, bringing her international attention.

Trivia

Her Belgais Centre project for underprivileged Portuguese children was a partnership with her government that went sour and prompted her to relocate to Brazil.

Family Life

Her family noticed her talents early on, and she gave her first recital when she was five and at seven was giving public performances of Mozart's piano concertos. She adopted her son Claudio when he was a baby.

Associated With

She recorded Frederic Chopin's Nocturnes to great acclaim with Gramophone magazine declaring her interpretations to be the best around.