The American pianist of Argentinian descent Mario Parmisano keeps the atmosphere of Buenos Aires, infused with the spirit of its greatest musician – Astor Piazzolla: “We keep the soul of Astor Piazzolla and all the vibe from Buenos Aires city – the lyricism of the tango, the passion of the tango, and all the power and sensuality of this music,” he said in an interview on Bulgarian Jazz FM. Svetoslav Nikolov spoke to him on the eve of the concert Piano & Jazz from The Music of America programme by Cantus Firmus and the America for Bulgaria foundation. The event will be held on 13 May at Sofia’s Bulgaria hall. Mario Parmisano will play a special arrangement for piano and symphony orchestra of Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires with The Classic FM Orchestra conducted by Francisco Noya. “If you are in the concert hall and close your eyes, you can feel Buenos Aires, with the grandiosity of this magnificent orchestra and the excellent conductor – maestro Francisco Noya. He understands also very well the music of Astor Piazzolla, and mixing it with the wonderful classic orchestra – it will be a very nice programme,” the pianist describes his enthusiasm for the forthcoming event.
Mario Parmisano has grown up with the music of Astor Piazzolla, having heard it for the first time when he was 10 years old. He has a classical music training and has been playing jazz for the last more than 20 years, mixing these influences in his approach. He has toured and recorded with, most notably, Al Di Meola, but also with Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, John Patitucci, Steve Gadd, Peter Erskine, Manu Katché and many others. Performing jazz all around the world – sometimes over 200 concerts a year, he has the benefit of earning a great experience from playing for different kinds of audience. “It is wonderful to perceive the emotions of the audience through this music. It’s a unique experience for a musician,” he said on this Jazz FM interview.
As for the connection between musicians and the audience, he has these words to say: “We have a gift from the Universe that we must give to the audience – that’s our mission in life. We are glad to have that gift. When we give that spirit to the audience, they perceive we are full of energy from the people. Every time after the concert I see people with tears in their eyes coming to us and saying: “Thank you for this beautiful moments, for the passion – this is the most incredible gift for me. My mission in my life is done.”
You can listen to Svetoslav Nikolov’s interview with Mario Parmisano using the Audio button above.
The first part of the Piano & Jazz concert will feature the orchestra performing jazz standards by the likes of Glenn Miller, Louis Prima and Cole Porter in the arrangements of Bill Holcombe, as well Dave Brubeck’s Blue Rondo a la Turk in the special arrangement of Chris Brubeck.
