What separates us from them?

[davidjosepha]

Is it natural talent, work, opportunity, or a combination that separates you and I from famous pianists? Could anyone with some natural ability sit down for a a few years and do nothing but play piano and listen to recordings of others playing the piano, emerge, and start a successful career as a famous concert pianist?

I've heard the whole 10,000 hours thing, but I'm not sure I buy into that completely. I can't believe that there aren't people on this board who have played 10,000 hours, and yet, no one here is Vladimir Horowitz.

[j_menz]

and yet, no one here is Vladimir Horowitz.

Gasp! You mean  vlhorowitz is not the real one?

On your main question: Talent, work, opportunity, ambition and a little touch from God [or equivalent in non-theistic schemas].  EDIT: And sleeping with (all) the right people.

[ajspiano]

A successful performance career demands more than the ability to play your instrument well.

See how you go booking a concert hall gig for a good pianist that no one has heard of before, especially if they are not young and pretty. Good business decisions are what makes a successful performing artist - though they are no doubt usually made by someone other than the performer.