About Emil Gilels
Emil Grigoryevich Gilels was a Russian and Soviet pianist. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest pianists of all time. His sister Elizabeth, three years his junior, was a violinist. His daughter Elena became a pianist. In 1933, Gilels participated in the First All-Union Competition of Performers in Moscow, and won first prize by unanimous decision. Gilels took the second place award, while his friend and fellow student Yakov Flier was the first prize winner. He competed in the All-Soviet piano competition, despite being below the age limit to participate, but won a scholarship from the jury.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.