João Casimiro Almeida is one of the most prominent portuguese pianists of his generation, with a vast and recognized musical experience, being a regular presence in the most important national concert halls, as well as having an international agenda. He has an extensive and versatile repertoire, often playing both solo and chamber music, from baroque to contemporary music.
João performs frequently in the most esteemed concerts halls in Portugal, such as the Casa da Música in Porto, Centro Cultural de Belém and Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian in Lisbon, while also performing abroad in countries such as Spain, France, Austria, Poland, Norway and South Korea.
João was awarded more than a dozen national and international prizes, including 1st prize in the Cidade do Fundão International Competition, the David Russell Awards in Vigo, and in the Paços Premium International Competition. He was also a semi-finalist at the VIII Rosario Marciano International Competition, in Vienna.
Recent performances include concerts with the Espinho Classical Orchestra, Tarnów Chamber Orchestra, Ensemble Orchestral Contemporain, Remix Ensemble and Ensemble ars ad hoc.
João collaborated with renowned musicians, such as conductors Bruno Mantovani, Guillaume Bourgogne, Peter Rundel and Pedro Neves, composers Beat Furrer and Stefano Gervasoni, and the cellist Pavel Gomziakov, as well as having studied under Madalena Soveral in Porto and Michel Dalberto in Paris.
He is the pianist of Ars Ad Hoc, a portuguese ensemble dedicated to chamber and contemporary music, which plays a key role in promoting and presenting new music. The ensemble has a regular schedule throughout the country and makes important national and international debuts by composers such as Justina Repeckaite, Beat Furrer, Simon-Steen Andersen, Kristine Tjogersen, whilst working directly with the composers.
His discography included "Alepo e outros silêncios" by Artway Records, a CD dedicated to the portuguese composer Luis Tinoco, "Le Grand Tango", with Guicolletive and Percos Music, with music by Astor Piazzolla, and as a future release in 2023 "Espectros", a solo recording of portuguese music of the 21st century.
João completed his Bachelor’s Degree at ESMAE in Porto and his Master's Degree in Piano Performance at the CNSM de Paris. He received scholarships from the Fondation Meyer, the Fondation Les Amis d'Alain Marinaro and also a Merit Scholarship from ESMAE-IPP.
This biography is updated regularly. Please contact João directly for any other biographical texts such as CV or detailed biography.