The Dante Alighieri Society of BC, the Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Toronto present this musical tribute to Dante Alighieri. The concert celebrates the 760th anniversary of the birth of Italy’s greatest poet with a captivating piano performance by Emilio De Mercato, Director of the Alberta Symphony Orchestra.
The concert features the music of renowned European composers—including Robert Schumann, Franz Liszt, and Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky—whose works were inspired by Italy and the timeless legacy of Dante Alighieri.
DANTE IN MUSIC
A Piano Recital
Emilio DeMercato
Director, Alberta Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, April 12 | 7:00PM PDT
PYATT HALL
Vancouver School of Music
843 Seymour St | Vancouver BC
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
STUDENTS & MEMBERS: FREE
NON-MEMBERS: $10 DONATION
Click here to register by EMAIL
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ABOUT EMILIO DE MERCATO
Italian-born pianist, conductor, and composer Emilio De Mercato has earned international recognition for his dynamic performances and leadership in the classical music world. Based in Edmonton since 2012, he founded and serves as Music Director of the Alberta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), leading numerous concerts and tours. His landmark achievements include conducting a Tribute to Glenn Gould at the Winspear Centre in collaboration with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Canadian Heritage and directing acclaimed performances such as Symphony Paradiso (featuring music by Ennio Morricone) and the Symphony of Hope benefit concert for Fort McMurray. His extensive career as a soloist and conductor has taken him across Europe, Asia, and North America, with performances at prestigious venues such as the 63rd Puccini Festival in Italy.
A graduate of the Conservatorio di Musica “Giuseppe Verdi” in Milan, De Mercato further honed his craft at elite institutions across Europe, working with renowned pianists including Bruno Canino and Lazar Berman. He has championed both classical and contemporary music, premiering his own compositions, such as Where for string orchestra and the critically acclaimed Verdi-ssimo concert tribute. An advocate for music education, he has taught at Mount Royal University Conservatory and other institutions, while also bringing music to diverse audiences through community outreach initiatives. Most recently, he was accepted as an Associate Composer by the Canadian Music Centre, and in 2025, he will make his Carnegie Hall debut with a highly anticipated piano recital.