Winner of the 2009 Brazilian International Press Award for �g The best Brazilian musician living in America�h, Marcelo Cesena has captivated audiences all over the world with his unique artistry and emotional interpretations. He has been praised for his �gsmashingly perfect technique�h (Folha de Londrina) and �gimpressive musical interpretation�h (Estado de Sao Paulo), and his talents have garnered praise from fellow musicians: Aylton Escobar, Brazilian conductor and composer, has called Cesena a �gluminous talent with a gift of noble character that appeals to the audience.�h Alexander Korsantia, winner of the Rubenstein Competition has said, �gHis playing is extremely bright, open-minded and colorful.�h

Cesena�fs early musical training began at the Conservatorio Musical de Santana, Brazil. His collegiate musical education has included study at the Faculdade Santa Marcelina, Brazil and the Faculdade Mozarteum, Brazil. He earned his Master�fs degree in Piano Performance from Arizona State University, under the direction of the internationally renowned concert pianist and professor, Caio Pagano, where he was awarded a Regents Scholarship.. He also completed the Film Scoring Program at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Highly acclaimed in the world of classical music, Cesena has performed as a soloist artist and as a chamber musician in prestigious concert halls throughout Brazil, Italy, Bosnia, France and the United States. He has performed with the Sao Paulo State Symphony Orchestra, the Nova Sinfornieta Orchestra and the Firestone Symphonic Orchestra. He has also performed at the Sao Paulo Teatro Cultura Artistica, the Sala Sao Luiz, the Sala Societa Giardino, the Basilica di Santo Ambrogio and the Sacrestia Vecchia del Bramente as well as the Herberger Theater Center.

The talents of Marcelo have been recognized in numerous Brazilian piano competitions, including a two-time winner of the Young Soloists Competition of the Symphonic Orchestra of the State of Sao Paulo; as First Place winner at the 1st Chamber Music Competition of the Faculdade Santa Marcelina; as First Place and Best Bach performance at the 6th Piano Competition of Aracatuba City; and as Winner and Firestone Soloist at the Young Soloists Competition of the 10th Music Festival of Londrina.

In addition to his increasingly full performance schedule, Cesena began composing music for motion pictures in 2005. The natural cinematic quality of his music led him to compose scores that have graced numerous features, shorts, documentaries, trailers and music videos. Most recently, Cesena composed the original soundtrack to Watercolors, a film directed by David Oliveras. One of Cesena�fs greatest gifts is that of musical translation of experiences and emotions. His ability to use his own real life stories and those of others to compose music is remarkable. Using unique melodies and harmonies he paints vivid pictures and emotions.

Marcelo Cesena�fs passion extends beyond academic and competitive music venues. He has often given of his talents for the benefit of others, including establishing Musical Therapy Program for a Drug Rehabilitation Center. He has participated in several benefit performances, raising substantial financial contributions for Brazilian children and also offered performances services to fundraisers benefiting people living with HIV and AIDS in Phoenix, Arizona area.

Currently living in Los Angeles, Marcelo is represented exclusively by CHL Artists. With an international following that continues to grow, Cesena is ready to set the stage in 2009 with an upcoming concert performance with the Mission Chamber Orchestra in San Jose, CA and a concert tour in Brazil where he will perform as a soloist and as a chamber musician.