09/07

String Quartet from “La Scala”
The La Scala String Quartet was established in 1953 by its original members who aimed to create a signifcant chamber music project inspired by the world’s leading orchestras. Throughout the following decades, they played a central role in important musical events and recordings. Four talented musicians, who are also prize-winners of international soloist competitions and section leaders of the Teatro alla Scala Orchestra, are enhancing their musical collaboration to achieve the highest standards of chamber music. The current La Scala Quartet (Quartetto della Scala) members are: Francesco Manara (Violin I), Daniele Pascoletti (Violin II), Siomonide Braconi (Viola) and Massimo Polidori (Cello).
The quartet has participated in prestigious festivals worldwide including MusicaInsieme in Bologna and the Ravenna Festival in Italy. They have recorded for labels such as DAD, Fonè, and Decca. Highlights of their career include a concert at Salzburg’s Mozarteum in 2008 and winning the Critics’ Prize for Best Foreign Chamber Group in Argentina in 2012.
10/07

Raphaela Gromes
(Exclusive Sony Artists)
Exclusive Sony Classical artist Raphaela Gromes is a world-class cellist, captivating her audiences with her exceptional technique, versatility, and artistry. With her debut as a soloist at just 14 years old, she has become one of the most sought-after musicians of her generation. Born in 1991, Gromes began taking cello lessons at the age of four and quickly demonstrated a remarkable talent.
She has collaborated with leading conductors and directors in numerous productions at the Teatro alla Scala, including the highly celebrated duo with pianist Julian Riem. Together, they have released several albums and earned the “Prize of the German Record Critics” and the Opus Klassik Award 2020. Gromes also won the frst prize in the Competition Richard Strauss and the Bavarian Art Promotion Prize in 2019.

Niklas Liepe
(Exclusive Sony Artists)
Exclusive Sony Classical artist Niklas Liepe, born in 1990, is one of the best German violinists in the world, known for his masterful and innovative approach to classical music. He began playing the violin at a young age and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. Later, he studied at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien in Hannover. He then continued his education at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz in Cologne, and also studied with Ana Chumachenco at the Kronberg Academy, as well as chamber music with Oliver Wille. Niklas is a sought-after soloist, chamber musician and concertmaster who performed with notable orchestras, such as the NDR Radiophilharmonie, the hr-Sinfonieorchester and the Konzerthausorchester Berlin.
Liepe has received numerous awards for his musical achievements, such as the prize of German Music Competition and the Culture Award from the North German Broadcasting Corporation (Norddeutscher Rundfunk). He is also known for his commitment to exploring new musical territories and pushing classical music boundaries.

Nils Liepe & Julian Riem
Pianists
Outstanding renowned German pianist, Nils Liepe, born in 1987, has received his musical education at prestigious institutions in Hanover, Cologne and Vienna. He has studied under legendary professors such as Karl-Heinz Kämmerling and Vladimir Krainev. He received the “Werner Richard – Dr. Carl Dörken foundation” scholarship and won numerous national and international prizes, including the Grotrian-Steinweg International Piano Competition and the “Da Ponte International Competition”.
One of the most versatile pianists in the classical world today, Julian Riem, born in 1973, studied with Michael Schäfer at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Munich. He then was mentored by Michel Béroff at the Conservatoire National Supérieur in Paris and furthered his education in Rudolf Buchbinder’s soloist class at the Basel Academy of Music. From an early age, he earned recognition from Béroff as one of the “most promising pianists of his generation.” Riem has achieved success in several prestigious international competitions, including those in Modena and Madrid, as well as the Premio Gui competition in Florence. He has also received a scholarship from the Deutscher Musikwettbewerb (German Music Competition). As an exceptional soloist, chamber musician, and lieder accompanist, Riem regularly performs around the world. Together with cellist Raphaela Gromes, he has established a renowned duo, releasing four award-winning CD recordings under the Sony Classical label, all of which have charted in the ofcial German classical music charts.
11/07

Rachel Portman
british Composer
Oscar-winning composer Rachel Portman, born on December 11, 1960, made history in 1996 as the frst woman to receive the Academy Award for Best Original Score for her work on the flm “Emma,” which starred Gwyneth Paltrow as the lead actress. Portman’s win marked a signifcant milestone in the recognition of female composers in the flm industry.
She received subsequent nominations for The Cider House Rules (1999) and Chocolat (2000). In 2010, she was appointed to the Order of the British Empire. As an honorary member of Worcester College, Oxford, Portman has composed over 100 scores for flm, television, and theatre. Her collaborations with the BBC include an opera based on The Little Prince and a choral symphony, The Water Diviner.
Niklas Liepe
(Exclusive Sony Artists)
Exclusive Sony Classical artist Niklas Liepe, born in 1990, is one of the best German violinists in the world, known for his masterful and innovative approach to classical music. He began playing the violin at a young age and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. Later, he studied at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien in Hannover. He then continued his education at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz in Cologne, and also studied with Ana Chumachenco at the Kronberg Academy, as well as chamber music with Oliver Wille. Niklas is a sought-after soloist, chamber musician and concertmaster who performed with notable orchestras, such as the NDR Radiophilharmonie, the hr-Sinfonieorchester and the Konzerthausorchester Berlin.
Liepe has received numerous awards for his musical achievements, such as the prize of German Music Competition and the Culture Award from the North German Broadcasting Corporation (Norddeutscher Rundfunk). He is also known for his commitment to exploring new musical territories and pushing classical music boundaries.

12/07

MASSIMO GIORDANO
Italian operatic tenor
Massimo Giordano is an acclaimed Italian operatic tenor, renowned for his performances in leading opera houses worldwide. Born on February 19, 1971, in Pompei, Italy, he moved to Trieste at the age of eight. Initially studying the flute at the Conservatorio Giuseppe Tartini, he later discovered his vocal talent and pursued singing under the guidance of Cecilia Fusco. Giordano graduated from the conservatory and, in 1997, won the A. Belli competition in Spoleto, marking his operatic debut in Mozart’s “La Clemenza di Tito” at the Teatro Lirico.
Throughout his illustrious career, Giordano has graced prestigious venues such as La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Vienna State Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London. His repertoire encompasses significant roles in operas like Puccini’s “La bohème” and “Manon Lescaut,” Verdi’s “La traviata,” and Massenet’s “Manon.” Notably, in 2005, he participated in a special performance of Verdi’s Requiem at the Vatican in memory of Pope John Paul II.
In 2013, Giordano released his debut solo album, “Amore e Tormento,” featuring Italian arias and recorded with the Ensemble del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. This album showcases his versatility and deep connection to the Italian operatic tradition.
Nelson Calzi
Leading pianist of “La Scala”
Highly accomplished pianist and principal coach Nelson Calzi, known for his remarkable career, graduated in Piano under the guidance of Maestro Claudio Demicheli at the age of 19 with top marks and praise. He continued his studies with renowned masters like Franco Scala. He quickly established himself as a sought-after accompanying pianist, working with opera legends such as Magda Olivero and Carlo Bergonzi. He graduated with excellent grades from the Accademia del Teatro alla Scala in Milan and is currently a Piano accompanist at the Teatro alla Scala.
For over two decades, he has worked extensively at the Teatro alla Scala, collaborating with top-notch conductors, directors, and singers in over hundred productions. He also teaches at the Academy of the Teatro alla Scala and often collaborates with prestigious opera foundations and international singing competitions worldwide.
13/07

Pablo Sainz Villegas
Spanish guitarist – Exclusive Sony Artist.
Exclusive Sonic Classical artist Pablo Sáinz Villegas, born in 1977, is a highly acclaimed Spanish classical guitarist. Born in Logroño, La Rioja Province, he commenced his musical education in his hometown before embarking on an international career. He received the 2008 Critical Eye Award in classical music, among other honors. Villegas has performed as a soloist with major orchestras worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic.
Recognized as one of the most talented guitarists of his generation and a successor to Andrés Segovia, he has become a signifcant ambassador of Spanish culture. Among his notable achievements are his performances at the Princess of Asturias Awards Concert, the Metropolitan Opera Gala at Versailles, and several concerts at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, attended by over 85,000 people. He is a member of the Academia de las Artes Escénicas of Spain and has released three albums with SONY Classical, with his latest, ‘The Blue Album,’ debuting in June 2023.
