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Introducing... Alto Nova Duo!

 

Dutch violist Emlyn Stam and NZ pianist Sherry Grant first met at the 47th International Viola Congress in USA (2022), and then again at the 48th International Viola Congress in Thailand (2023).

 

They decided in 2023 to collaborate as a duet for the 49th International Viola Congress in Brazil (July 2024) to present a new programme of contemporary music, written especially for them by expat South American composers, followed by a tour around South America. This would be first project before they set off to explore more viola repertoire, both new and old, known and unknown, to introduce to audience around the world.

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VioLatino
What is VioLatino?

VioLatino is a programme of new viola/piano compositions by composers of South American descent who are living overseas. Sherry Grant came up with this idea (and name) with the intention to perform its world premiere at the 49th International Viola Congress 2024 in Campinas Brazil with Dutch violist Emlyn Stam, and together they formed the Alto Nova Duo.
 
Who is involved in VioLatino?

10 Composers originally from Venezuela, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia and Brazil but are currently living and working in the UK, USA, Australia, Taiwan, Israel, Cuba and the Netherlands have been invited to write new viola/piano works for the VioLatino project. The participating composers are as follows (in no particular order):

(1) Moshe Knoll (Venezuela/USA)
(2) Luis Saglie (Chile/Australia)
(3) Elbio Barilari (Uruguay/USA)
(4) Andrián Pertout (Chile/Australia)
(5) Martin Musaubach (Argentina/Taiwan)
(6) Polo Piatti (Argentina/UK)
(7) Barbara Varassi (Argentina/Netherlands)
(8) Silvina Milstein (Argentina/UK)
(9) Marius Díaz (Colombia/Cuba)
(10) Marcelo Nami (Brazil/Israel)

(More composer bios and photos to come!)
Composer Biographies & Photos

(1) Moshe Knoll (Venezuela/USA)

(2) Luis Saglie (Chile/Australia)

 

LUIS SAGLIE is an international composer with regular performances and projects in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Oceania. Saglie is the recipient of international prizes and awards and acts as curator and adjudicator for international music festivals and competitions. He received formal studies as a composer, conductor and pianist at UCLA as well as Music and Arts University and Hochschule für Musik in Vienna. With over twelve years experience as a University Professor in different countries, Saglie has held positions as Head of Composition Department and Music Director/Conductor. Currently, he teaches at the University of Sydney in Australia.

https://luissaglie.com


(3) Elbio Barilari (Uruguay/USA)

(4) Andrián Pertout (Chile/Australia)

In 2007, ANDRIÁN PERTOUT completed a PhD degree at the University of Melbourne. Composition awards include the Friends & Enemies of New Music Composition Prize and Louisville Orchestra Prize (USA). His music has been performed in over fifty countries by orchestras that include the Melbourne and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras; The Louisville Orchestra; Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra; Orquesta de Cámara Simón Bolívar; Tatarstan and Uzbekistan National Symphony Orchestras; Orquestra Petrobrás Sinfônica; Auckland Chamber Orchestra; Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México, Puerto Rico and Chile; Vietnam National Opera and Theatre Choir and Symphony Orchestra; Logos Foundation Robot Orchestra; University of Hong Kong Gamelan Orchestra; La Chapelle Musicale de Tournai.

https://pertout.com

(5) Martin Musaubach (Argentina/Taiwan)

(6) Polo Piatti (Argentina/UK)
 
Born in Buenos Aires, POLO PIATTI started piano lessons at the age of 4 and was admitted at the age of 12 to the prestigious Conservatorio Nacional in Argentina, graduating later with distinction. He continued his studies in Paris and Berlin, moving later to London to work as a composer, concert pianist and conductor. Now a celebrated neo-romantic composer, Piatti's compositions are performed all over the world and loved for being highly emotional, evocative and passionate. He has written, produced, orchestrated and arranged music for the concert hall, theatre plays, art films, dance productions and art installations.
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https://polopiatti.com

(7) Barbara Varassi (Argentina/Netherlands)

(8) Silvina Milstein (Argentina/UK)

(9) Marius Díaz (Colombia/Cuba)

(10) Marcelo Nami (Brazil/Israel)

(More composer bios and photos to come!)
Alto Nova Duo - The Performers
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