It was in October 30, 2012 when the CCP and the Embassy of Argentina in Manila presented Argentinian pianist Emilio Peroni in a concert. Emilio graced my classical radio program “Culture Carousel” before his concert and below is an excerpt of that interesting interview.
Can you us about yourself and your family?
My brother and I are the only musicians in the family. My father and mother are not musicians. At three years old, my kindergarten teacher discovered my music abilities and she told my parents to send me to music school. So my parents did, and I learned piano and guitar. At 17, I decided to focus on piano. I miss the guitar but I had no time to practice two instruments, and the piano repertoire was big and I needed more concentration.
Why did you study in Germany and not Argentina?
I received several scholarships so I first studied piano in Rome for nine months under Carlo Bruno (pianist of Beethoven Quartet). My second scholarship I studied in Barcelona, Spain. My third scholarship was in Germany. Germany is the best country for classical music; it was my dream to study there. Before I left I took a two-month course in German language. I stayed 10 years in Germany. The language was difficult; in the beginning I didn’t understand the language. But I persisted; I would watch TV and read the newspapers as part of my intensive self-language course. I love cooking and I try German dishes.
Who supported your musical career?
When I decided to have a solo career, my parents and three friends supported me morally and financially. I was very lucky and I thank God. My brother is a violist and plays with the Argentinian Symphony Orchestra in Buenos Aires. We also play duos and other ensembles. But it’s my parents who pushed us to succeed and supported us. I met a woman in a bar, and she asked me, `Emilio do you want to be a classical pianist?’ When I said yes, she prepared a list of the best piano teachers. She said I had to leave Patagonia (where I was born) and study in Buenos Aires. That woman also supported me to become a serious classical musician.
You are a much sought after solo pianist but also performs with an orchestra. Which challenges you more?
They are all very different. When I play with a full or chamber orchestra, I have to practice well with the members of the orchestra, because if someone gets lost, it is very difficult. When I play in recitals, it takes longer to practice and memorize, because I do not use scores while performing in recitals. I do not get distracted with cell phones or baby crying during performances. I just focus and play.
You have an extraordinary repertoire which encompasses 20 programs. How do you manage it?
I give equal importance to Argentinian music and classical works. I see the reaction of the audience when I play Argentinian music, but I also perform complete modern and classical music. It is a balance of all music.
How do you make old repertoire sound new?
You play every day differently. You re-create each opportunity. The audience changes, your life experiences change, the piano changes.
Tell us about the group you formed, Peroni Tango Ensemble?
I formed one in Argentina and one in Germany. The main composer of tango music is Piazzola. I rearrange the music and I improvise the tango.
When you leave the concert hall, Emilio, what do you want the audience to remember you by?
I want open minded people to open their hearts when they hear me play. I want them to remember my music style and my feelings when I play. I want to be one with them when I play.
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You have to watch Emilio Peroni perform. When I watched his rehearsals, he was very intense. I’m grateful that I was able to spend half an hour just getting to know him as a person and his music.