Miguel Proença

Miguel Proenca (Quaraí, March 27, 1939) is a Brazilian pianist of classical music. Pianist of international renown, Proenca is based in Rio de Janeiro. He has worked throughout Brazil and around the world as a soloist and chamber musician. In his extensive discography of Brazilian piano music we highlight the works of Villa-Lobos (whose piano work is considered one of the greatest interpreters) and Alberto Nepomuceno. He was director of Sala Cecília Meireles and the School of Music Villa-Lobos, and also municipal secretary of culture of Rio de Janeiro. In 1991, he received the Commendation of the Order of Rio Branco, in the degree of Commander, for their activities in the Brazilian music scene. In 1988 and 1989, was chosen by the São Paulo Association of Art Critics (APCA) as the best pianist of the year. In 2003, Miguel Proenca did recitals in France, Italy, Japan, Germany, and Slovenia. In 2004, he joined the jury of the 5th International Tchaikovsky Competition in Japan and the International Piano Competition Vianna da Motta in Portugal. Performed the piano part to the soundtrack of Villa-Lobos - a life of passion 2000 movie, directed by Zelito Viana.