Marcelo

Praised for his “smashingly perfect technique” (Folha de Londrina) and “impressive musical interpretation” (Estado de São Paulo), Brazilian concert pianist, Marcelo Cesena has captivated audiences all over the world with his unique artistry and emotional interpretations of life through music. His talents have garnered praise from fellow musicians: Aylton Escobar, Brazilian conductor and composer, has called Cesena a “luminous talent with a gift of noble character that appeals to the audience.” Alexander Korsantia, winner of the Rubenstein Competition has said, “His playing is extremely bright, open-minded and colorful.”

Surprisingly there once was a time when Cesena detested classical music. Fortunately, this all changed at the age of 10 when a neighbor sat with Cesena at the family piano and played with such passion and conviction, the likes of which he had never heard before. After this he was hooked! This pivotal moment affected his entire life and his perception of classical music. The instant he set his fingers on the black and white keys, he knew music would be his life.Fast-forward almost 30 years, after countless concert performances, numerous compositions and recordings, critics today dub him…a “showman of unique and extraordinary artistry.” Audiences have applauded this virtuoso’s flawless technique and interpretations of classical and contemporary music. Highly acclaimed in the world of classical music, Cesena has performed as a solo and collaborative artist in prestigious concert halls throughout Brazil, Italy, Bosnia, France and the United States. He has performed with the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra, the Nova Sinfornieta Orchestra and the Firestone Symphonic Orchestra. He has also performed at the Sao Paulo Teatro Cultura Artistica, the Sala São Luiz, the Sala Societa Giardino, the Basilica di Santo Ambrogio and the Sacrestia Vecchia del Bramente as well as the Herberger Theater Center.The talents of Marcelo have been recognized in numerous Brazilian piano competitions, as a two-time winner of the Young Soloists Competition of the Symphonic Orchestra of the State of São Paulo; as First Place winner at the 1st Chamber Music Competition of the Faculdade Santa Marcelina; as First Place and Best Bach performance at the 6th Piano Competition of Araçatuba City; and as Winner and Firestone Soloist at the Young Soloists Competition of the 10th Music Festival of Londrina.Marcelo’s musical training began at the Conservatorio Musical de Santana, Brazil . He subsequently went on to continue his college musical education at the Faculdade Santa Marcelina and the Faculdade Mozarteum in São Paolo, Brazil. After a period of study and performance in Italy he moved to the U.S. where he earned his Master’s Degree in Piano Performance from Arizona State University, under the direction of the internationally renowned concert pianist and professor, Caio Pagano, where he was awarded a Regents Scholarship. Dr. Pagano stated, “Marcelo’s extraordinary capacity is in maintaining the seriousness and discipline of a concert pianist while having the presentation, performance style and freedom of expression that makes him a showman of unique and extraordinary ability.”A versatile musician who is appreciated for the variety of his performances, the entertainer in Cesena is also brought out by his amusing musical acts. In using humor, he gives an unusual slant to classical music for today’s audiences. His ability to interact on a personal level with the audience opens up new horizons for the classical.Never having written an original composition, Marcelo was inspired by the story of a young child blessed with an amazing spirit yet cursed with a terminal case of muscular dystrophy. He was riveted as young author Mattie Stepanek spoke on the Oprah show in 2002 about the idea that people today don’t listen to their inner inspirations. Eventually before his death in 2004, Mattie went on to become an well-known speaker and a beacon of hope for people around the world. The day Mattie appeared on Oprah is the day Cesena composed his first piano piece.One of Cesena’s greatest gifts is that of musical translation of experiences and emotions. His ability to use his own real life stories and those of others to compose music is remarkable. Usingunique melodies, and harmonies he paints vivid pictures and emotions such as love, sadness, romance and excitement.In 2004 Cesena saw the release of the first album of his solo piano compositions, Kaleidoscope. Featuring 13 original pieces this album is a compilation of impassioned, emotionally resonant pieces that reflect his unique abilities. In fact, all of the compositions in this album were inspired by real stories. His strong and engaging melodies effortlessly blend his classical background with modern nuances. His musical development has been shaped by the influence of classical composers that span from Bach to Debussy, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff and includes contemporary composers such as Craig Armstrong, Ennio Morricone, Astor Piazzolli and John Williams.In addition to his increasingly full performance schedule, Cesena began composing music for motion pictures in 2005. The natural cinematic quality of his music led him to compose scores that have graced numerous features, shorts, documentaries, trailers and music videos. Most recently, Cesena composed the original soundtrack to Watercolors, a film directed by David Oliveras that has now premiered in various national and international film festivals.Marcelo has also used his artistic talents for the benefit of others, including helping to develop a musical therapy program for an international drug rehabilitation community , by the name of ‘Comunità Cenacolo’. Through benefit concerts he has also raised money to help fund an orphanage in Brazil for homeless children. Furthermore, as a student at ASU, he raised funds through performances for a charity named Grace Odyssey which helped provide daily care for people whose lives had been impacted by HIV/AIDSCurrently living in Los Angeles, Marcelo is represented by the prestigious booking agency CHL Artists. He performs solo concerts and continues his passion for composing film scores and solo music. He is also putting together his second album. With an international following that continues to grow, Cesena is setting the stage for 2009 with an upcoming concert performance with the Mission Chamber Orchestra in San Jose, CA and a concert tour in Brazil where he will perform solo and ensemble music with internationally acclaimed violinist Pip Clark.