Music enthusiasts and patrons of the arts were treated to an exceptional evening of classical piano performances at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York. The recital, featuring Italian pianist Francesca Ferraro, was a journey through the works of various composers, including Robert Schumann, Luca Rizzo, Muzio Clementi, Leoš Janáček, Giacomo Puccini, and Fryderyk Chopin. Held in the heart of the city, this event was a testament to the enduring power of classical music to captivate and inspire.
The star of the evening, Francesca Ferraro, hails from Sicily and was born in 1998. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the “A. Scontrino” Conservatory of Music in Trapani, Italy, under the mentorship of Giulio Potenza. Ferraro’s piano journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, with numerous accolades in competitions such as the 1st prize in the Concorso Nazionale “Eliodoro Sollima” in Enna, the 1st prize in the Concorso “Antonio Trombone” in Palermo, and the 1st prize in the Concorso Nazionale “Città di Palermo.”
Additionally, she secured the 2nd prize in the Concorso Pianistico Nazionale “A.M.A. Calabria” and “Città di Caccamo” and further garnered the 1st prize in the Concorso Pianistico Internazionale “Franco Mannino.” Ferraro’s remarkable talent and pianistic qualities were acknowledged with the “Marcello Marino” prize from the Conservatory of Trapani, as well as the “Premio Eccellenze del Belice.”
The program for the evening was a mix of classical compositions that showcased the diversity of the piano’s capabilities. It started off with Robert Schumann’s “Kinderszenen Op. 15,” which allowed Ferraro to demonstrate her sensitivity and emotional depth in capturing the innocence and nostalgia of childhood.
The journey continued with Luca Rizzo’s “Sazae oni – Preludio op. 16 n. 9” and Muzio Clementi’s “Sonata Op. 25 n. 5.” Ferraro’s performance of these pieces displayed her versatility and technical prowess, moving effortlessly between the whimsical and the dramatic.
The audience was then transported to the world of Leoš Janáček, with his evocative “Sonata 1.X.1905,” comprising two movements – “The Presentiment” and “The Death.” Here, Francesca Ferraro conveyed the deep emotions and complex narratives woven into Janáček’s work.
Giacomo Puccini’s timeless aria, “Nessun Dorma,” from the opera Turandot, arranged for piano by Giuseppe Di Giunta, was a captivating transition from the more traditional classical pieces. The arrangement was a testament to the enduring appeal of Puccini’s melodies and the pianist’s ability to bring them to life.
The evening concluded with Fryderyk Chopin’s “Scherzo Op. 31 n.,” a demanding and exhilarating piece that showcased Ferraro’s virtuosity and passion for the piano.
