 A History . . .
The Castellani-Andriaccio Duo
is regarded as one of the elite chamber ensembles on the music scene
today. These brilliant artists have been praised by critics internationally. The New York Times called them, "first rate and a pleasure to hear" and stated
that "the performances were consistantly fine and
the rapport just about perfect - the concert was admirable." After being invited to perform on scholarship to the master classes of Andres Segovia
in Spain, they were featured in concert in London, Madrid, Budapest, Rome and Rio De Janeiro. They have also been featured in some of
the most prestigious concert halls such as the Smithsonian Institution, the JFK Center for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Recital Hall, the
Chautauqua Festival and a special invitation by President Clinton to perform at the White House. The Duo is frequently scheduled at music
festivals throughout North America, Europe and Latin America where the two served as artistic envoys of the U.S. State Department. These artists have just
returned from a triumphant tour of China and the Pacific.
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Joanne Castellani and Michael Andriaccio
have also acquired a reputation for varied and innovative programming. Their recordings on Fleur De Son Classics and the Etcetera Labels have been broadcast over BBC,
CBC, Radio France, Magyar Radio, Radio La Plata Argentina and others around the world, and their "Danzas and More"
disc was named "Best of the Year" by American Record Guide. Their eight recordings place them among the more prolific recording ensembles in the world. Three new releases are scheduled for next year. Staunch proponents of new music, they have worked with contemporary composers such as
Joan Tower, Lejaren Hiller, Loris Chobabian, Paul Ruders, Gilbert Biberian, Meyer Kupferman, Tanya Leon and others. Their collaboration with acclaimed American composer, Roberto Sierra, has resulted in two major new concerti for
two guitars and orchestra. The Duo's latest CD, the World Premiere recording of Mr. Sierra's "Fantasia Corelliana" and Astor Piazzolla's Double Concerto with the
internationally renowned Israel Chamber Orchestra conducted by Arie Lipsky was named "Best of the Year" by Fanfare Magazine. Joanne Castellani is on the Faculty of the State University of New York at Buffalo and the Buffalo Suzuki Musical Arts
Center. The Duo also serve as CoDirectors of the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition. One of the most visible international music events in the world,
the Competition is sponsored by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Western New York Association for Public Broadcasting. The duo's touring schedule for 2007 takes
them across North America and Europe. |
