*Ruth Slenczynska* is a legend in the full sense of the word. American born, in Sacramento, she was mentored to become a star pianist by her violinist father whom she wrote about in her memoirs, _Forbidden Childhood_ (NY 1957). Her musical talent was further developed under the tutorship of legendary greats such as Arthur Schanbel, Alfred Cortot, Joseph Hofmann and Sergei Rachmaninoff. She performed her debut in Berlin at age six and played with a professional orchestra at age eleven in Paris. At the ripe age of fifteen, following a strained touring schedule she took a hiatus from performing. Back in the US her career resumed in 1954 and she established her herself as a pianist of impeccable technique and musical insight. From 1964-1987 she was Artist-in-Residence at the Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Most recently she traveled to Japan in 1998 where she played a recital at the Okayama Symphony Hall to great acclaim. She has an extensive discography that is archived at the Southern Illinois University’s Lovejoy Library and many of her older recording are widely available for purchase over the internet.