To say pianist Nino Cocchiarella is on a hot streak would be an understatement. The 23-year-old prodigy, who has released three albums since 2005, is living the dream many classical musicians strive for.
As a young pianist, Cocchiarella prides himself in avoiding the straight-laced demeanor of many of his contemporaries.
"I think a lot of classical musicians are stiff or formal, and I like to put more attitude and personality in the music," he said. "I'm not afraid to play my own way to make it a different interpretation."
The Indiana University graduate, who the New York Times said was "particularly impressive," has garnered some impressive competition prizes, including the Best Solo Performance Award in the Corpus Christi International Competition and first place prizes in the Music Teachers' National Association piano competition and the National Society of Arts and Letters Competition.
Cocchiarella said he attributes his success to his ambitious attitude toward the music industry.
"I think a lot of classical musicians today are just kind of sitting in their practice rooms waiting for a manager to come knocking on their door," he said. "'You have to make things happen yourself' is my philosophy."
Now in the middle of a tour that includes Hawaii, Vermont, Texas and South Korea, Cocchiarella is bringing his act to Pruis Hall this week for a two-day concert series.
At 7:30 tonight, Cocchiarella will perform a solo piano recital featuring works by Handel and Debussy and a rendition of Cocchiarella's own "Pictures Project."
"Pictures Project" is a performance that combines two of Cocchiarella's passions: music and nature. While he performs Mussorgsky's "Pictures in an Exhibition," a slide show of Cocchiarella's own nature photos is displayed in the background.
"I'm a long-distance hiker," he said. "That's my big hobby, and [the "Pictures Project"] is just my way of trying to add a little of that element to the recital and get the imagination going."
Cocchiarella has been performing "Pictures in an Exhibition" for two years, he said.
On Wednesday night, Cocchiarella will be joined by violinist Gregory Maytan and world-renowned cello player Sophie Webber for an evening of chamber music. The group, which calls itself the Ghost Piano Trio, will perform Beethoven's "Ghost Trio" and Arensky's "Trio" in D Minor. The trio has been performing together for about six months, Cocchiarella said.
Each show is $10 in advance, $15 at the door, $8 for students. More information on Cocchiarella and an online store with audio samples of his work can be found on his Web site at:nino.cc.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
