The musical powerhouse, Roberto Scarcella Perino [2], who is recognized as a talented composer in both Europe and the United States, shared his various compositions at NYU’s Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò [3].  The world-renowned Giuseppe Bruno  [4]was the pianist for the night performing the pieces beautifully with skillful precision, and raw talent. It was an exciting night, as Scarcella Perino premiered his Piano Sonata No. 3 in the U.S. Giuseppe Bruno played a selection of the composer's songs for the concert, including 12 Variazioni su Ciuri Ciuri [5], a music based on the folkoric Sicilian song.

A Musician with Talent and Passion

Born in Messina [6], Sicily, Roberto Scarcella Perino was surrounded by musical influences growing up. His grandfather payed the violin and sang as a tenor, while his aunt was a soprano, and another was a talented pianist.  Roberto himself became involved with music when he started learning piano, and writing music at seven years old. 

After studying at the Conservatory Giovanni Batista Martini, and the University of Bologna, Scarcella Perino got his start composing for the famous musical institution, Fondazione Arturo Toscanini [7] in Parma.

After moving to New York in 2001, the composer’s career continued to flourish as he was well received by American audiences.  Roberto's list of accomplishments continues to grow as his music has been commissioned, performed, and recorded throughout the world.  He has written four operas, A Caval Donato, Merli Verdi e Cucù, Blackout, and Furiosus, three ballets as well as chamber, and choral music. 

Beyond Music: From Notes to Flavors

He is a senior lecturer for NYU’s Italian Department as he loves to share his passion by educating others.  Aside from academia, Roberto is not only a talented musician, but also a talented cook who caters parties and teaches cooking classes.  Going back to his roots, he favors Italian cuisine.  He takes advantage of all the city has to offer by going to local markets to find the best and freshest ingredients.

Cooking and composing music for Roberto are very similar.  It is about putting together the right flavors or notes to create something beautiful. Roberto’s musical gift brings enjoyment to others and that was clear at Casa Italiana.

Maestro Bruno

The talent of Maestro Giuseppe Bruno brought Roberto's music to life with the piano at NYU. Bruno is an accomplished pianist who can play anything from Mozart to contemporary music having graduated with honors in Piano, as well as Composition, and Conducting.  As a prize winning pianist, he is also an esteemed conductor, and worked as both a soloist, and with orchestras all over the world, including in Italy, Greece, Bosnia, and Germany. 

Currently the Maestro is a Professor at the Giacomo Puccini Conservatory [8] in La Spezia, Italy, and he is a Visiting Professor at the Rubinstein Akademie, in Düsseldorf, Germany.  Giuseppe Bruno's impressive accomplishments match his talent and passion for music as he played Scarcella Perino's compositions.