
Pianist Ruth Slenczynska. Photo by Meredith Truax.
In Wednesday’s (1/15) Classic FM (U.K.), Maddy Shaw Roberts writes, “On Monday 15 January 2025, American pianist Ruth Slenczynska celebrated her 100th birthday. At this landmark age, Slenczynska has achieved an astonishing nine-decade long career, having started performing as a child prodigy in the 1920s. Three years ago, Slenczynska announced she had re-signed to the record label Decca Classics, for her first album with the company since the 1960s. Slenczynska’s new solo piano album, ‘My Life in Music,’ was released in March 2022. When asked about the album, Slenczynska responded: ‘Whoever heard of a pianist my age making another album? Music is meant to bring joy. If mine still brings joy to people, then it is doing what it is supposed to do.’ Born in California in 1925, Slenczynska was the daughter of Polish immigrants. She made her concert debut at the age of just four years old … At six, Slenczynska made her European concert debut in Berlin, and now over 90 years later, this legendary performer is still enchanting audiences … Slenczynska is considered to be composer-pianist Sergei Rachmaninov’s last living pupil. It is thought that the young pianist even once stepped in for the great Russian musician at the last minute when he was unable to perform due to an injury.”