Renowned pianist Ruth Slenczynska recently celebrated her 100th birthday, marking an extraordinary nine-decade career in music. A child prodigy, Slenczynska made her concert debut at the age of four and performed Beethoven on television by age five. Her remarkable journey includes performances for four U.S. Presidents and connections with legendary composers like Sergei Rachmaninov and Samuel Barber. Slenczynska’s enduring artistry continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
In 2022, at 97, she released My Life in Music with Decca Classics, her first album with the label since the 1960s. Reflecting on her career, Slenczynska said, “Music is meant to bring joy. If mine still brings joy to people, then it is doing what it is supposed to do.” The album features works by Chopin, Debussy, and Bach, celebrating her rich legacy as a performer and student of some of history’s greatest musicians.