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Italian pianist Giuseppe Guarrera returns to Northeast Ohio following his most memorable appearance at the 2024 Cleveland International Piano Competition, where he earned a medal and the special Beethoven Prize.

Guarrera has received major international recognition, including prizes at the Arthur Rubinstein and Montréal competitions and the Tabor Foundation Award at the Verbier Festival. His career has taken him to prominent concert halls and festivals around the world, including Wigmore Hall in London, Salle Cortot in Paris, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Severance Music Center in Cleveland and venues throughout China.

As a soloist, Guarrera has appeared with ensembles including The Cleveland Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal.

A defining moment in his career came when Daniel Barenboim invited him to perform at the opening concert of the Pierre Boulez Saal’s 2017-2018 season. Guarrera returned for additional performances and later joined the faculty of the Barenboim-Said Akademie.

His return to Northeast Ohio opens “A Season of Homecomings” and continues the Kent Keyboard Series’ connection with artists who have established meaningful ties to the region.

This special opening concert is free, but tickets are required.