Ruth Slenczynska

Ruth Slenczynska is a legendary American classical pianist whose extraordinary career spans nearly a century. Born in Sacramento, California, in 1925, Slenczynska began her musical journey at the age of three under the rigorous tutelage of her father, Josef Slenczynski, a violinist. By four, she was already giving recitals, and her prodigious talent soon caught the attention of some of the most celebrated pianists of the 20th century, including Sergei Rachmaninov, Josef Hofmann, Alfred Cortot, Artur Schnabel, and Egon Petri. Slenczynska is notably the last living pupil of the great Sergei Rachmaninov, with whom she shared a close bond and even stepped in for him at a performance when he was injured.

Throughout her illustrious career, Slenczynska has performed for four U.S. Presidents and has released numerous albums, including a notable one in 2022 with Decca Classics. Her repertoire includes works by Rachmaninov, Chopin, Debussy, and many others. Beyond her performing career, Slenczynska has also dedicated herself to teaching and has authored books on piano technique and music. Her remarkable journey and deep musical insights are also shared through her memoir and YouTube videos. Slenczynska continues to inspire with her enduring passion for music and her unparalleled legacy in the world of classical piano.