Clara Marcano
The Venezuelan pianist Clara Marcano studied in Caracas with Cristina Vidal de
Pereira. After graduation, she pursued further studies in London with the eminent Austrian
pianist and teacher Edith Vogel at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama,
where she obtained the Licenciature in Piano Performance (with medal of distinction, 1978),
the Certificate of Advanced Solo Studies (1979), and the much-coveted Concert Recital
Diploma – Premier Prix (1981). Ms. Marcano also took private lessons in New York with the
late Konrad Wolff (1907-1989), a distinguished pianist, teacher, author and direct disciple of
the legendary pianist Artur Schnabel.
Clara Marcano has performed in numerous countries, appearing in solo recitals,
chamber music concerts and with orchestra at various concert series and festivals. She
has been invited as a jury member of piano competitions in Venezuela, Cuba and England, including the Teresa Carreño Piano Competition held at the Royal College of Music in London. Her CD Venezuela has received much critical acclaim and is regarded by many as a reference to Venezuelan musical identity. In 2014 she was invited to perform in Denmark at the prestigious Aarhus International Music Festival, receiving an enthusiastic standing ovation for her recital.
In Venezuela, Ms. Marcano has regularly taught and given master classes and seminars at various institutions in Caracas such as Universidad Nacional Experimental de las Artes (UNEARTE), Escuela Experimental de Música Manuel Alberto López and Academia Waldstein. In addition to her regular performances, Ms. Marcano has given a lecture-recital entitled El Merengue Caraqueño, a multi-media show that illustrates the evolution of one of the most popular and influential genres of Venezuelan popular music.
She has also presented a similar event on the Venezuelan Aguinaldo (Christmas song).
Clara is the Founder and Artistic Director of Navidad en Familia, a vocal-instrumental ensemble involving some 35 members of her own family spanning four generations whose mission was to promote family values and Venezuelan cultural traditions. The group released three recordings and for 18 years gave sold-out performances throughout Venezuela every Christmas season. Clara Marcano is the recipient of the Orden Andrés Bello Award, in recognition for her contributions to the cultural life of her country.
___________________________
Some critical comments
“Clara Marcano is a pianist of very special qualities: her sensitivity of touch, awareness of style and the expressive personality in her playing are quite unique.”
Edith Vogel, Piano Professor, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, England
“Ms. Marcano’s musicianship is first-rate…”
The Times Herald, NY, USA
“Thank you…for your magnificent and beautiful playing.”
Konrad Wolff, pianist and author, NY, USA