Daniel Barenboim

Daniel Barenboim (born November 15, 1942) is an Argentinean-Israeli pianist and conductor. He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina; his parents were Russian Jews. He now also is an Israeli national. Barenboim first came to fame as a pianist

Daniel Barenboim (born November 15, 1942) is an Argentinean-Israeli pianist and conductor. He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina; his parents were Russian Jews. He now also is an Israeli national. Barenboim first came to fame as a pianist but now is best-known as a conductor and for his work with mixed orchestras of Arabs and Jews. In 2001, he sparked a controversy in Israel by conducting the music of Wagner.

Barenboim started piano lessons at the age of five with his mother, continuing to study with his father Enrique, who remained his only teacher. In August 1950, when he was only seven years old, he gave his first formal concert in Buenos Aires.