Carnegie Hall

Sergei Prokofiev (1891–1953) was a composer, pianist, and conductor. His mother played the piano, which sparked his interest in music at a young age. Prokofiev was a child prodigy, composing his first piano piece at age five and his first opera at age nine. He later went on to study music at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where he developed his innovative and complex musical style. During the Russian Revolution, Prokofiev left his homeland to live in the United States and Western Europe before returning to the Soviet Union in the middle of his career. He wrote a large range of works, including symphonies, operas, ballets, and film music. Some of his most recognizable works include Peter and the Wolf, Romeo and Juliet, and Lieutenant Kijé. Fun fact: Prokofiev was an excellent chess player.