Biography
For over 25 years, Antonio Gervasoni has been composing music, captivated by its ability to evoke profound emotions and inspire a wide range of ideas – from the gentle ocean breeze to fantastical imaginary beings, from uncharted realms to the vast expanse of interplanetary space.
Biography
Born in 1973, Antonio Gervasoni embarked on his musical odyssey at the age of 3, initially exploring various instruments and eventually delving into piano at the age of 9. By 18, guided by the renowned Peruvian pianist Elke Brunke, he had honed his piano skills, yet his true passion lay in composition rather than performance.
His initial forays into composition in 1992, during his pursuit of a computer science career, marked the beginning of his artistic journey. Further inspiration came during 1997-1998 when he attended masterclasses with Vladislav Uspensky, a former student of Dmitri Shostakovich, who encouraged him to delve deeper into music composition.
In 2001, Antonio enrolled at the National University of Music (formerly the National Conservatory of Music), where he studied composition under José Sosaya and piano under Teresa Quesada. Most recently, in April 2021, he earned a master's degree in composition from the University of Birmingham.
Antonio is a founding member of the Peruvian Composition Circle (Circomper) and served as the inaugural Director of the School of Music at the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas — UPC (2009-2012). He currently holds a teaching position at UPC, instructing students in composition, orchestration, and film scoring. Additionally, he has taught at the National University of Music and the School of Communication at the Universidad de Lima.
Music
Antonio Gervasoni's extensive catalog of concert music spans a wide spectrum, from solo compositions to a 4-act chamber opera titled 'R.' Some of his works are published by the American publisher Cayambis Music Press and can be found in various libraries, including the United States Library of Congress.
In addition to his concert music, Antonio has also ventured into the realm of film music. He has composed the soundtracks for eight Peruvian feature films, including "La Prueba" (2005), "Dragones: Destino de Fuego" (2006), "La Gran Sangre: La Película" (2006), "Vidas Paralelas" (2008), "The Dolphin. Story of a Dreamer" (2009), "Tarata" (2009), "La Amante del Libertador" (2014), and "La Hora Azul" (2014). Furthermore, he contributed to the soundtrack of the Portuguese short film "Holy Popcorn" (2013), directed by Ramón De Los Santos.
Antonio's compositions have been performed in numerous countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Chile, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Peru, Portugal, Spain, and the United States.
Awards
First Prize in the Emerging Composers Category at the 2004 Vanguard Premieres Choral Composition Contest, awarded for his choral work titled "A-nir."
The Fellowship Diploma in Composition from the London College of Music in 2007.
Most Distinguished Musician and a Special Mention at the 2014 IBLA Grand Prize, recognizing his composition "KOCMOC (Cosmos)" for orchestra and choir.
Honorable Mention at the "3er Festival Brasil de Cinema Internacional" (FBCI) in 2015, honoring his work on the soundtrack of the Peruvian film "La Amante del Libertador."
Most recently, in May 2018, his composition "Il giardino della casa" received recognition as one of the winners in the Newly Published Music Competition organized by the National Flute Association of the United States.
External Links
Photos by Alejandra Velez