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Trinity Laban student impresses piano legend

Fri 17 July 2015

Trinity Laban student Giulio Potenza has just returned from Lugano, Switzerland, where he had been invited to perform by legendary Argentinian pianist Martha Argerich.

Argerich, who is known for her generous support of young musicians, first heard Giulio perform in 2014. She was so impressed that she offered him a solo recital in the 2015 edition of her Martha Argerich Project, which includes concerts and masterclasses and serves as a showcase for outstanding musical talent from around the globe.

At his recital on 15 June, Giulio performed Janacek’s Sonata 1.x.1905 and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. For the grand finale, he joined forces with Trinity Laban piano professor Gabriele Baldocci, who is an Ambassador for the Martha Argerich Project, and himself performed four times during the event. Their performance of Schumann’s Ballszenen was a big hit with the enthusiastic audience.

In addition to his solo recital, Giulio was also selected to take part in a performance of Messiaen’s Visions de l’Amen, performing with world-famous pianist Daniel Rivera. Also taking part in that recital was a third Trinity Laban pianist in the shape of José Menor, Trinity Laban Junior Fellow in Piano Accompaniment.

Trinity Laban Director of Music Claire Mera-Nelson commented: “This is just the latest in a long line of successes for our pianists, who are making a real impact on the world stage. Trinity Laban is firmly established as a world-leading centre for piano study, and I’m looking forward to hearing about further success from Giulio, Gabriele, Jose and our other extraordinarily talented students, staff and Junior Fellows.”

All the performances received a wonderful reaction from both audience and critics, and were broadcast live on radio and online. For more details, please visit the Lugano Festival website.

Giulio Potenza was supported in 2014-15 by a Jacqueline Williams Scholarship. This scholarship was generously set up by Jacqueline Williams, a music alumnus, through a bequest in her will for the provision of an endowed scholarship.