Piano International Festival Opens in Rio this Sunday

By Beatriz Miranda, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Sunday, September 3rd, the “Semana Internacional de Piano” (International Piano Week) arrives in Rio for a second edition. Taking place at the Cecília Meireles room, in Lapa, and Cidade das Artes, in Barra, the festival brings to the stage prestigious pianists from France, Russia, Croatia, Italy and Brazil until next Saturday, September 9th.

Inspired in the European erudite music festivals, the event brings a diverse line up that varies from baroque to contemporary instrumental music.

Paying tribute to Brazilian composers Villa-Lobos and Camargo Guarnieri, the festival promotes six different concerts and will offer a free master class to the audience.

“This edition has a strong connection with France. One of the concerts is fully dedicated to French pieces, and we will also have the performance of Simon Ghraichy, one of the most prominent French pianists”, says Mayer Goldenberg, the festival’s artistic director.

Opening the event at Cidade das Artes on Sunday, September 3rd, at 8PM, will be the Duo Ama, composed of Brazilian musicians Angela Passos and Mayer Goldenberg, who were ackownledged with the “Merit Award” by the Miami International Summer Piano Festival. Duo Ama will dedicate its repertoire to the 130 and 110 years of composers Villa-Lobos and Camargo Guarnieri, respectively.

On Tuesday, September 5th, the audience can participate in a master class with illustrious Russian pianist Oleg Marshev, at Cidade das Artes, from 9AM to 7PM. Awarded in international contests in Canada, Italy, Portugal and the Unites States, Marshev is considered to be one of the greatest piano talents of his generation. He has already recorded over 35 albums, including Tchaikovsky’s and Rachmaninov’s full work. The artist will also perform at Sala Cecília Meireles on Wednesday, September 6th, at 8PM.

On Thursday, September 7th, at 8PM, Cidade das Artes will host the concert of Duo Miroirs, composed of Italian musicians Antonello d’Onofrio, winner of over twenty European prizes, and Claudio Soviero, awarded in the international contest Scriabin-Moscou. The work of French pianist Ravel is included in Duo Miroirs’ repertoire.

Simon Ghraichy, who has already played with Brazil’s Symphonic Orchestra, performs at Cidade das Artes on Friday, at 8PM. Awarded by the Georges Cziffra Foundation’s Prize, the French pianist is famous for its rare virtuosity for playing complex compositions. On Saturday, September 9th, all the participant pianists will gather at the Cecília Meireles room, at 8PM, for a closing concert.

What: II Semana Internacional de Piano (2nd International Piano Week)
When: September 3rd – September 9th – 8PM
Where: Cidade das Artes – Avenida das Américas, 5300 – Barra da Tijuca – Tel: (21) 3325-0102
Sala Cecília Meireles – Rua da Lapa, 47 – Lapa – Tel: (21) 2332-9223
Entrance: R$30 – R$50