Peter Soave will be the Thursday evening guest artist at the ATG Thursday Night Concert on Jul 17, 2025, 7:30 PM at Barrows Auditorium, Wheaton College. The concert will feature Peter Soave on bandoneon with string quintet and the UMKC Community Accordion Ensemble directed by Joan C. Sommers.
Recognized worldwide as a master of the bandoneon 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 towards classical music. At sixteen, he entered international competitions and swept first place four times, confirming his reputation as a virtuoso of the highest order: 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 bandoneon in his performances.
Peter’s engagements include performances as a soloist and with orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout North and South America, Asia, Middle East, Europe, and Russia. He has appeared with the San Francisco Symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, 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.
He 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 bandoneonist. He has also appeared on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
From June 29 – July 13, 2025, the Peter Soave Music Academy, International Music Academy for musicians and music lovers, will be in session.The Peter Soave Music Academy generously offers a rich musical experience that plunges each participant into the depths of musical artistry. The summer session includes workshops, intensive coaching, master classes, chamber music, and rehearsals culminating in concerts where participants and professionals will be playing side by side. The exquisite picturesque setting for the Academy is Forni Avoltri, this tiny alpine village nestled in the Dolomite mountains of Italy, bordering Austria.
