Let's make this birthday one to remember.

78 years old (Born on January 18, 1947)

Happy Birthday, John O'Conor! From dazzling audiences at the keys to directing the Royal Irish Academy of Music with unmatched flair, you've orchestrated a life worthy of standing ovations. Winning both the International Beethoven Piano Competition in 1973 and Bösendorfer Competition in 1975 proves your fingers have always danced faster than candles could ever burn.

May your birthday be as timeless as Beethoven's symphonies and filled with more joy than an encore performance. Here's hoping this year brings you fewer scales to practice and more cake slices—after all, even maestros deserve sweet indulgences between sonatas! Cheers to you!