Renowned classical pianist Byron Janis has passed away at the age of 95. The American musician, celebrated as one of the greatest pianists of his era, died on March 14. His wife, Maria Cooper Janis, confirmed his death on social media and his website.
Byron Janis, born Byron Yanks in 1928 near Pittsburgh, displayed prodigious talent from a young age. At just 15, he made his orchestral debut with Arturo Toscanini's NBC Symphony Orchestra. By 16, he became the first student of Vladimir Horowitz at the Pittsburgh Symphony. At 18, he secured a record deal with RCA Victor, becoming the youngest artist to do so at the time. By 20, he had made his Carnegie Hall debut.
