Gran Duo Italiano is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2002 by the Italian pianist, Angela Meluso, and the Italian violinist, Roberto Noferini. The duo has since become one of the most renowned and respected chamber music ensembles in the world, known for their virtuosic performances and their deep understanding of the classical repertoire. Angela Meluso was born in Naples, Italy, in 1973. She began playing the piano at the age of six and went on to study at the Conservatory of Music in Naples, where she graduated with honors. She then continued her studies at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, where she studied with the renowned pianist, Sergio Perticaroli. Roberto Noferini was born in Florence, Italy, in 1971. He began playing the violin at the age of seven and went on to study at the Conservatory of Music in Florence, where he graduated with honors. He then continued his studies at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena, where he studied with the renowned violinist, Salvatore Accardo. Meluso and Noferini first met in 1998, when they were both studying at the Accademia Chigiana. They quickly discovered a shared passion for chamber music and began playing together regularly. In 2002, they decided to form a duo and named it Gran Duo Italiano, in honor of their Italian heritage. The duo's first major performance was at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena, where they received critical acclaim for their virtuosic performance of Beethoven's Sonata No. 9 for Violin and Piano. This performance launched their career and they soon began performing at major concert halls and festivals throughout Europe and the United States. One of the highlights of Gran Duo Italiano's career was their performance at the 2006 Salzburg Festival, where they performed a program of works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. The performance was hailed as a triumph and cemented the duo's reputation as one of the finest chamber music ensembles in the world. In addition to their performances, Gran Duo Italiano has also recorded extensively. Their recordings include works by Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and other classical composers. Their recording of Beethoven's Sonatas for Violin and Piano was particularly well-received and won the prestigious Diapason d'Or award. Gran Duo Italiano has also been recognized with numerous other awards and honors throughout their career. In 2010, they were awarded the Premio Abbiati, which is the highest honor in Italian classical music. They have also been awarded the Echo Klassik award and the Gramophone award, among others. Today, Gran Duo Italiano continues to perform and record extensively. They are known for their passionate and deeply expressive performances, as well as their commitment to preserving and promoting the classical repertoire. They remain one of the most respected and beloved chamber music ensembles in the world.

More....