Porto PianoFest travelled to New York for the first international concert
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The festival Porto PianoFest just went international with the first concert held at the Yamaha Artist Services, in Manhattan, New York, on March 10. This event was jointly sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Development Agency (AICEP).
The purpose of this concert was to enrich the artistic transatlantic dialogue, as well as the image of the city of Porto and of Portugal, by presenting the festival to the Portuguese-American community.
"We did a review of past editions and a presentation of the 2018 edition", which will happen between July 30 and August 5, says Nuno Marques, a noted Portuguese musician settled in New York, and Director of Porto PianoFest.
This edition also featured a recital by four pianists, namely North American Amy Gustafson, invited artist in 2017, Stephen Lee from the Philippines, scholarship holder and pianist at PianoFest in 2016, North American Mariel Mayz, deputy director of the festival, and also Nuno Marques.
"This concert was a success", the Director enthuses, saying that "we were able to raise the festival's profile and the image of Porto both in New York and in the United States".
"Besides, we are also looking for international sponsors and this event, the first held outside Porto, is the perfect starting point to increase awareness on the potential of Porto Pianofest", Nuno Marques concluded.
Around one hundred people attended the event, including the European Union Ambassador, João Vale de Almeida, and the Presidents of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Development Agency AICEP NY, senior Officers of Portuguese companies with representation offices in the USA and other prominent members of the Portuguese-American community.
On an annual basis, Porto PianoFest offers the city of Porto a varied programme of exhibitions, such as concerts and recitals, and also sponsors young piano students with masterclasses and lectures by renowned artists.
Every year the festival is organised by Porto City Hall and by the Cadenza Cooperative.