Hello! I am Antonia De Pasquale, an Italian pianist with a deep love for performing and sharing music. My journey of musical pursuit started at the age of 5 and I won my first Piano Competition at six years old and I have clinched the prestigious First Prize and Absolute First Prize in over 35 international Piano Competitions. I studied classical piano at the “Nino Rota” Conservatory of Music in Monopoli, where I completed my studies at 18 and achieved the second level academic degree with honors. I am currently studying at the Conservatory of Italian Switzerland in Lugano and at Pinerolo Music Academy. These studies allow me to explore and refine my skills. In addition to my remarkable achievements in the musical domain, I consistently balance a diversity of academic interests. I graduated in Languages and Cultures for International Mediation at the “Aldo Moro” University of Bari, showcasing my academic prowess in English, German and Russian. Importantly, I have also ventured into the world of literature, having composed “Il suono del muro. Il ruolo della musica nelle due Germanie – Der Klang der Mauer. Die Rolle der Musik in den beiden deutschen Staaten”, which has been included in the esteemed Research Library Series – Foreing Culture Section, published by Schena Editore. Over the years, I have performed in various venues, collaborated with many artists, and I have played as a soloist, in chamber ensembles and as a soloist with the orchestra.


Q: Could you please provide some insights into the winning piece you submitted for the LYM annual competition? Why did you choose this particular piece, and what was the biggest challenge you faced?

The piece I submitted for the LYM annual competition is titled "L’isle joyeuse" by Claude Debussy. This composition is a deeply personal reflection on the themes of tranquility and introspection. I chose this particular piece because it represents a culmination of my musical journey, with a strong emphasis on tone color and texture. The goal was to transport listeners to a peaceful, introspective space, much like Debussy's ability to evoke specific moods and imagery through his compositions. The biggest challenge I faced in performing this piece was finding the perfect balance between technical complexity and emotional accessibility, ensuring that the piece was both interesting for experienced musicians and touching for general audiences. The process involved a lot of experimentation with different sounds and textures to achieve the desired emotional impact.


Q: Who is your favourite musician, and how have they influenced you?
I do not have just one favorite musician, but I like several, including L.V. Beethoven, S. Rachmaninov, S. Prokofiev, C. Debussy and M. Ravel. Their ability to convey deep emotion through intricate melodies and complex harmonies has always inspired me. They taught me the importance of authenticity, the power of storytelling through music, exploring new ideas, experimenting with different sounds, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music. This creative mindset encourages innovation and thinking outside the box, valuable skills in many aspects of work and life.


Q: What qualities do you believe musicians should possess in the digital age?

In the digital age, I believe musicians must possess a combination of creativity, adaptability, entrepreneurial spirit and technological skills. It is essential to know how to use new technologies to create and distribute music, but it is equally important to maintain a strong emotional connection with the audience. The ability to build an authentic online presence and interact directly with people can make a big difference.


Q: What are your expectations or plans for your future music career?

Looking ahead, I plan to continue exploring and expanding my musical horizons. I aim to collaborate with artists from different styles and cultures, performing music that transcends boundaries and resonates with diverse audiences. I have the ambition to work on international projects, collaborating with artists from different sectors to create multidisciplinary works.


Q: What would you like to say to all musicians and music enthusiasts worldwide?

To all musicians and music enthusiasts worldwide, I would like to express my admiration for your dedication, creativity, and passion for music: keep pursuing your passion with unwavering dedication. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way, and never stop exploring and experimenting. Stay true to your artistic vision, let it inspire you to explore new horizons and push the boundaries of your creativity. Above all, remember that music is a gift to be cherished and shared. So keep creating, keep listening, and keep spreading the beauty of music far and wide. Together, we can continue to celebrate the extraordinary power of music to enrich our lives.