News
Antonio Peruch wins Orpheus Award for Homage to Tango CD
June 29, 2016: Classical concert accordionist Sir N. Antonio Peruch has won the prestigious international 2016 Orpheus Award in the Classical Music category for his CD Homage to Tango: The Music of Daniel Binelli. Adjudicated by an international jury, the award recognizes accordion CDs with outstanding performances. It was awarded earlier this month in Italy. Download press release
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Antonio Peruch receives two Orpheus Award nominations
June 17, 2016: Antonio Peruch has received Orpheus Award nominations for his two 2015 CD releases. Homage to Tango: The Music of Daniel Binelli and Loving: The Tango of Astor Piazzolla have both been nominated in the Classical Music category.
In addition to Peruch, the stellar performers on both CDs include New York-based pianist Polly Ferman and Cuba’s prestigious Camerata Romeu string orchestra, conducted by their founder and dynamic Music Director Zenaida Romeu.
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Biography
Juno Award-nominated Antonio Peruch was described by the Italian newspaper La Tribuna di Treviso as “perhaps the greatest classical accordionist in the world” and “gifted with extraordinary musical abilities.” One of the world’s most innovative, knowledgeable, and captivating concert accordionists, he pursues his vision of the accordion as an exciting, highly expressive classical concert instrument—both in the recording studio and in the concert hall. Knighted by the Republic of Italy in recognition of his contribution to Italian music and culture, he has performed before enthusiastic audiences in Canada, the USA, Italy, Mexico, and Cuba.
He has recorded and released three CDs on his FisarmonicArt Recordings label. In 2013, his début Logos Futura CD of three landmark Canadian accordion concerti was nominated for a Canadian JUNO Award, two Western Canadian Music Awards, an Orpheus Award (Italy), and earned him a runner-up win of the Edmonton Music Prize. Logos Futura features the World Premiere Recordings of the concerti he commissioned—exciting, masterful, and musically satisfying works for the concert accordion. They include Malcolm Forsyth’s virtuosic Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra (Peruch’s fiery live 2001 World Premiere performance with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra), which received its own WCMA nomination for Classical Composition of the Year in 2013; Violet Archer’s deeply spiritual Pensieroso for Classical Accordion and Orchestra—her last commissioned work; and Allan Gilliland’s beautiful and evocative Concerto for Accordion and String Orchestra. Peruch, who studied music with all three composers, collaborated closely with each of them, helped to shape the accordion part in each work, and composed the virtuosic cadenzas. He recorded the Archer and Gilliland works with Cuba’s prestigious Camerata Romeu string orchestra, conducted by dynamic Music Director Zenaida Romeu, and gave the World Premiere performance of the Gilliland work with the Camerata Romeu in Cuba. Buy Logos Futura
Peruch brings his purity of musical expression, inspired improvisations, and stunning virtuosity to his two CD releases of Argentinean tango nuevo repertoire. His Homage to Tango: The Music of Daniel Binelli CD is the first CD recording exclusively of Binelli’s compositions—as well as the first classical concert accordion recording of his music. This CD, which contains the World Premiere Recording of the Homenaje al Tango Double Concerto for Piano, Accordion and Chamber Orchestra, was highly favourably reviewed in the September 2015 issue of the Italian national classical music magazine Suonare News. Buy Homage to Tango
His Loving: The Tango of Astor Piazzolla double CD features many of Piazzolla’s most captivating and emotional tangos. The virtuosic Aconcagua Concerto, which makes up the second CD of the set, includes Peruch’s masterfully composed and brilliantly performed cadenzas. Buy Loving
Peruch was privileged to record both of these CDs with New York-based internationally renowned pianist, music director, and Latin music specialist Polly Ferman, and Cuba’s Camerata Romeu, conducted by Music Director Zenaida Romeu.
In May 2015, at his highly successful New York début concert with Polly Ferman and the Vaughan String Quartet, Antonio Peruch launched the Homage to Tango and Loving CDs at Symphony Space on Broadway. He and Ms Ferman collaborate as the Ferman Peruch Duo for chamber and symphony orchestra performances. His Binelli and Piazzolla CDs are the fruits of their artistic collaboration, which began in 2007.
Peruch has performed as concerto soloist with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, the Sooke Philharmonic Chamber Players, the San Diego Jewish Community Center Orchestra, and Cuba’s Camerata Romeu string orchestra. He has worked with conductors Uri Mayer, Grzegorz Nowak, Jack Everly, Peter McCoppin, David Amos, Norman Nelson, and Zenaida Romeu.
Peruch’s achievements have been recognized by a Gold Medal from the Province of Treviso in Italy, a Government of Alberta Achievement Award, a City of Edmonton Civic Honours Award, and the prestigious University of Alberta Alumni Association Award of Excellence. He is one of the award recipients featured in the University of Alberta’s Centenary video, and is profiled in Charlene Rooke’s book, Edmonton: Secrets of the City. His musical projects have been supported by the Edmonton Arts Council, the City of Edmonton, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Instituto Cubano de la Musica.
Discography
LOGOS FUTURA
Canadian Concerti for the New Concert Accordion
In 2013, Sir N. Antonio Peruch was nominated for a JUNO Award, a Western Canadian Music Award, and an Orpheus Award (Italy) for Logos Futura—his 2012 début CD release. It presents his virtuosic landmark World Premiere recordings of three masterfully written and musically compelling concerti that he commissioned from award-winning Canadian composers. The Forsyth work was also nominated for WCMA Best Classical Composition of the Year in 2013.
Forsyth work: LIVE RECORDING OF THE WORLD PREMIERE PERFORMANCE
Sir N. Antonio Peruch, classical concert accordion
Grzegorz Nowak, conductor
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Archer and Gilliland works: WORLD PREMIERE RECORDINGS
Sir N. Antonio Peruch, classical concert accordion
Zenaida Romeu, conductor
Camerata Romeu
TRACK LISTING
Malcolm Forsyth (1936 – 2011)
Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra (1998 – 1999)
1. Energico, brutale (8:33)
2. Calmato (6:30)
3. Spiritoso; ben ritmato (6:07)
Violet Balestreri Archer (1913 – 2000)
4. Pensieroso for Classical Accordion and Orchestra (21:30) (1992 – 1993)
Allan Gilliland (b. 1965)
Concerto for Accordion and String Orchestra (2004)
5. Wind Machine (4:52)
6. Krista Marie (8:44)
7. Rumba Rondo (5:21)
HOMAGE TO TANGO
The Music of Daniel Binelli
Sir N. Antonio Peruch has been recognized by Italy’s Orpheus Award in the Classical Music category for Homage to Tango: The Music of Daniel Binelli—the first CD recording exclusively of Binelli’s compositions and the first classical concert accordion recording of Binelli’s music. Discover Daniel Binelli—the world’s finest bandoneonist and Astor Piazzolla’s torchbearer—as a gifted, exciting composer.
“No doubt that this beautiful CD, executed with such beauty and virtuosity by Polly Ferman on piano and Antonio Peruch on accordion, as soloists together with the Camerata Romeu of Cuba, conducted by Maestro Zenaida Romeu, will be a great success, since my music has been interpreted from the heart. I am profoundly grateful to Maestro Peruch for his idea of producing the first CD dedicated in its totality to music of my authorship and for contributing to the world of the accordion through the language of the music of the people of Argentina and Uruguay.” Daniel Binelli
Sir N. Antonio Peruch, classical concert accordion
Polly Ferman, piano
Zenaida Romeu, conductor
Camerata Romeu
TRACK LISTING
1. Metrópolis (4:35)
2. Paris desde aquí (2:43)
3. Tango de los Cuadros (3:33)
4. Imágenes de Buenos Aires (7:27)
5. Preludio y Candombe: Llamada de Tambores (7:13)
6. Homenaje al Tango Double Concerto for Piano, Accordion and Chamber Orchestra* (22:48)
LOVING
The Tango of Astor Piazzolla
This special two-CD release presents almost 90 minutes of Astor Piazzolla’s music in authentic, exciting, and beautiful performances. It presents Polly Ferman’s moving Adiós Nonino solo, Peruch’s arrangements of Ave Maria and Libertango, and the Aconcagua Concerto with Peruch’s own cadenzas. Outstanding string playing by Cuba’s Camerata Romeu string orchestra with dynamic conductor and Music Director Zenaida Romeu.
Sir N. Antonio Peruch, classical concert accordion
Polly Ferman, piano
Zenaida Romeu, conductor
Camerata Romeu
CD 1 Tangos
1. Loving (8:34)
2. Fracanapa (3:07)
3. Ave Maria (7:43) Sir N. Antonio Peruch, concert accordion solo
4. Melodia en la menor (6:27)
5. Adiós Nonino (9:32) Polly Ferman, piano solo
6. Libertango (6:04)
7. Oblivión (7:53)
8. Romance (10:39)
CD 2
Aconcagua: Concerto for Accordion, String Orchestra, and Percussion
1. Allegro Marcato (8:31)
2. Moderato (8:18)
3. Presto (6:41)
BUY CDS
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Option 2: Buy hard-copy CDs directly from Antonio. Order form.
Media
CKUA’s Orest Soltykevych’s interview of Antonio
Listen here or click the link to listen on CKUA’s website www.ckua.com/antonio-peruch
Suonare News
In September 2015, Suonare News did a CD review of Homage to Tango. Click each image to read more. Once clicked, there is a button to make the image larger in the top right corner.
Suonare News
In August 2013, Suonare News did a CD review of Logos Futura. Click each image to read more. Once clicked, there is a button to make the image larger in the top right corner.
Reviews
Performance Reviews
“They [Antonio Peruch and Polly Ferman] were the perfect soloists to interpret works by Daniel Binelli and Astor Piazzolla, as well as a few by Allan Guilliland [sic], who was there at the Amadeo Roldan Theater and received an ovation from a public moved by his world premiering of “Concierto para acordeón y orquesta de cuerdas”. The concert closed with the composition “Aconcagua,” in which Peruch and Ferman shared the stage with guest performers Lianne Lastre (on percussion, primarily the timpani), Yuliet Abreu (percussion), and Mirtha Ruth Batista (harp), all under the outstanding direction of Zenaida Romeu. The Havana Times, Cuba
Read the entire review here: http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=21049)
“Edmonton composer Malcolm Forsyth’s new Accordion Concerto makes as strong an argument as has been made for the instrument on the symphonic stage. N. Antonio Peruch’s blazing performance on an instrument specifically built for him made this rich, vital music come alive.” Edmonton Journal, Canada
“The premiere of Malcolm Forsyth’s Accordion Concerto was impressive.” Edmonton Sun, Canada
“Peruch melted the hearts of his audience. He is a dynamic player and his affinity for and love of this music [Astor Piazzolla] came through in his impassioned playing. Amid enthusiastic shouts of Bravo and More the loud and sometimes vocal audience response throughout the concert was spontaneous, warm and effusive. Cavaliere Peruch was awarded a standing ovation by an excited and appreciative audience . . .” Le Serre di Calabria, Canada
“The accordionist demonstrated his artistic sensitivity to the highest degree [in Paul Creston’s Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra ], which motivated the public to follow him with attention, and to reward him with an enthusiastic standing ovation at the conclusion of his performance . . . The soloist closed his performance by rewarding the public with his performance of Capriccio No. 24 by Paganini, in such a way that he conquered the public`s affection.” Zeta, Mexico
“ . . . Nelli Antonio Peruch, perhaps the greatest classical accordionist in the world . . . Gifted with extraordinary musical abilities . . . Of equally high calibre was the performance [of Violet Archer’s Four Miniatures for Classical Accordion], in which Peruch demonstrated that he possesses considerable technical attributes, afterwards confirmed in a series of variations on the last Capriccio of Paganini.” La Tribuna di Treviso, Italy
“Creston`s Accordion Concerto, Op. 75 featured Edmonton classical accordionist Nelli Antonio Peruch. His fleet fingers rippled up and down the keyboard and buttons in the work`s driving, joyous outer movements; in the slow middle movement, his part flitted about with butterfly prettiness and delicacy.” Edmonton Journal, Canada
Musician Acclaim
“No doubt that this beautiful CD [Homage to Tango: The Music of Daniel Binelli ], executed with such beauty and virtuosity by Polly Ferman on piano and Antonio Peruch on accordion, as soloists together with the Camerata Romeu of Cuba, conducted by Maestro Zenaida Romeu, will be a great success, since my music has been interpreted from the heart. I am profoundly grateful to Maestro Peruch for his idea of producing the first CD dedicated in its totality to music of my authorship and for contributing to the world of the accordion through the language of the music of the people of Argentina and Uruguay.” Maestro Daniel Binelli
One of the most special musical discoveries for me this past year was to hear the work of Antonio Peruch for the first time. He is a brilliant virtuoso who surprised me with a new language for the accordion. His technique is flawless, but it is employed at the service of expression and subtlety of execution instead of mere acrobatics. I salute his talent and musicianship. Auguri! Jovino Santos Neto
“Antonio Peruch’s Logos Futura recording is ‘one of a kind’. The uniqueness of the repertoire written for his monumental instrument, the professionalism of his playing, and the musicality of his interpretation in this CD make the listener want to listen to it again and again.” Polly Ferman
“Peruch’s grasp of the technical difficulties I set him is truly phenomenal. He is a soloist of rare intensity and musicality, while his technical mastery is possibly unique in its control of the really formidable difficulties posed for the soloist.” Dr. Malcolm Forsyth
“. . . splendid musician and virtuoso of the accordion, as well as a valued friend.” Dr. Violet Balestreri Archer
“It was a great pleasure to write this Concerto [Concerto for Accordion and String Orchestra] for Antonio Peruch. He is a fantastic musician and I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather have bring my black dots to life.” Dr. Allan Gilliland
Logos Futura CD Owner Reviews
“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to enjoy this stellar performance of [Violet’s] last composition. I know Violet would have been thrilled.” David Archer
“It’s an excellent CD! Powerfully written and powerfully performed. The contrast and order of the pieces is right: the Forsyth is brilliantly coloured and rhythmic, the Archer shows such remarkable strength and the recurring motif so moving in light of Mme Archer’s farewell to life, and the Gilliland I think is very intelligent and sensitive in the sense of matching so closely the orchestration timbres to the accordion’s timbres. I think there are a multitude of moods and colours and plenty of humour and reflective moments. I am moved by the power of these three Canadian composers as I can remember how sparse the Canadian repertoire scene was forty years ago and how infrequently Canadian compositions appeared on the programs. I do congratulate you with all my heart on this wonderful performance and I certainly hope you are receiving thoughtful and appreciative comments. My congratulations to your family team as well.” Elizabeth Brodovitch
“We listened to your CD and really enjoyed it. Ken and I have an intense appreciation for your skill and mastery of the instrument. Thank you again for sharing it with us! I hope to get to see you perform live one of these days.” Christa Haberstock
“It is a remarkable achievement and I am sure you are very proud and rightfully so. I have listened to it a few times now and am struck by the technical difficulties and how well you play through them. Also just how musical it all sounds and how well your instrument sounds – no doubt you had a lot to do with that. My favorite piece is the Rumba Rondo. It has a great Latin feel while still being very accordionistic. It must have been a great treat to work with the Cuban musicians, in Cuba no less! I certainly look forward to your next CD. Steven Fediow
“Just finally listened to the whole CD [Logos Futura] and it’s wonderful! Your playing is marvellous and I thought my piece turned out very well. The whole CD is well paced and the liner notes first-rate.” Dr. Allan Gilliland
Contact
Thank you for visiting my website. If you would like to book me for concerts with chamber ensembles or orchestras, or have any comments or questions about my CDs or website, please complete the contact form below. Antonio