Peter Soave

Recognized worldwide as the foremost master of the bandoneón and concert accordion, Peter Soave has established himself as the leading soloist of his generation. The hallmark of his performances is his unique combination of commanding stage presence and the excitement of his vibrant virtuosity.

Of Italian descent, Peter Soave’s earliest memories are of music played on an accordion. By age three, he was certain of his life’s work. He began music studies at five, and quickly gravitated toward classical music. At 16, he entered international competitions and swept first place four times, confirming his reputation as a virtuoso of the highest order—winning Grand Prix in Neu Isenberg, West Germany; Klingenthal Wettbewerb in East Germany; Coupe Mondiale in Folkstone, England; and the Trophée Mondiale in Arrezano, Italy.

In 1987, Peter Soave was the inaugural recipient of “Voce d’Oro,” the international award honoring those who have given prominence to the accordion in the world of modern music. Deeply inspired by the music of Argentinean composer Astor Piazzolla, Mr. Soave’s impassioned musicianship motivated him to include the characteristic bandoneón in his performances.

Mr. Soave’s engagements include performances as a soloist and with orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout North and South America, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Russia. He has appeared with the San Francisco Symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Brooklyn Philharmonic, Zagreb Philharmonic, Windsor Symphony, Flint Symphony, San Salvador Philharmonic, Belgrade Philharmonic, Lubbock Symphony, Bellevue Philharmonic, Walla Walla Symphony, Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico, Williamsport Symphony, Orquesta Sinfónica Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho, and The Zagreb Soloists. Mr. Soave collaborated with conductors such as James Levine, Neeme Jarvi, Thomas Wilkins, Robert Spano, Leone Mageira, Hermann Michael, Duilio Dobrin, and Guillermo Figueroa. For the only North America appearance in 1999 of the “Three Tenors,” Soave performed as the featured bandoneónist. He has also appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America.

In 2007, Soave premiered Astor Piazzolla’s oratorio El Pueblo Joven, written for symphony orchestra, voice recitative, soprano, bandoneón, choir, and percussion, with the Radio Romania Chamber Orchestra, Romania.

Mr. Soave has had numerous compositions written for him by Venezuela’s foremost composer Aldemaro Romero. Among the works: Piazzollana-Homage à Piazzolla for bandoneón and full orchestra; Suite de Castelfidardo for bandoneón and string orchestra; Soavecito for accordion and string orchestra; and Tango Furioso for bandoneón and string quartet. Romero’s Five Paleontological Mysteries, for accordion and string quartet, received its American premiere in Detroit in February 2008 and its European premiere in Italy in July 2008.

Mr. Soave’s discography includes a solo album Pride and Passion, Five Tango Sensations with The Rucner String Quartet, a double CD Undertango 2, and Peter Soave & Symphony Orchestra, featuring the music of Astor Piazzolla and Carmine Coppola. His recording awards include the Detroit Music Award for Best Classical Recording in 2001 and Best Classical Instrumentalist in 2003.

Eager to harmonize nature and music, Soave founded the Peter Soave Music Academy (petersoavemusicacademy.com) in the Dolomite Mountains in Italy in 2010, welcoming music lovers to convene and share.

Mr. Soave plays a “Mythos #002” concert accordion and an “Adrian #001” bandoneón, made by Pigini in Italy.