A distinguished pianist, composer and pedagogue, Xavier Scharwenka was a student of Theodor Kullak in Berlin. Scharwenka soon became an acclaimed concert pianist and was noted for his interpretation of Chopin. In 1877, Scharwenka composed and debuted his most known work, a piano concerto. In 1881, Scharwenka established and directed his own music school in Berlin. The school became so famous, that Scharwenka opened ScharwenkaMusicSchool in New York City. For many years Scharwenka managed series of concerts dedicated primarily to Beethoven, Berlioz and Liszt.