Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky  

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Russian Пётр Ильи́ч Чайко́вский; tr. Pyotr Ilyich Chaykovsky; born May 7, 1840 and died November 6, 1893) was a Russian composer known for his symphonies, concertos, operas, ballets, chamber music, and choral settings of the Russian Orthodox Divine Liturgy. His works are among the most popular in classical repertoire. Tchaikovsky became the first Russian composer to have an international impact with his music, which he enhanced through guest conducting engagements in Europe and the United States later in his career. One such engagement was at the inaugural concert of Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1891. In recognition of his contributions, Tchaikovsky was honored by Emperor Alexander III in 1884 and received a lifetime pension in the late 1880s.