Cosmo Buono

Cosmo Buono first came to international prominence with the Bradshaw & Buono piano team. Specialists in literature written for one piano four hands, and two pianos, the artists did much to restore awareness of rare works written by Chopin, Liszt, Rossini, and Schubert. By continuing a tradition of distinguished piano duos begun with Liszt-Chopin and Debussy-Casella, they played in major capitals and festivals throughout the world including New York’s Alice Tully Hall, Wigmore Hall in London, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, and the Mostly Mozart Festival, all while creating a discography that includes Grammy-nominated recordings. 

A native of New Jersey, Mr. Buono completed his musical studies at New York University, Bard College, and The Juilliard School.  As a soloist he has been heard in North America, Europe, and Japan, including performances with the Munich Philharmonic and the Danish State Radio Orchestra.

In addition to performing, Mr. Buono has distinguished himself as one of the foremost teachers of the Leschetizky Method in the United States. Leschetizky was known for producing pianists capable of a resonant, almost voice-like quality on the piano, and it is that same technique which is part of Mr. Buono’s overall pedagogy. Advocating rich, expressive playing, he discourages students from note-perfect performances that lack enthusiasm, in favor of a complete understanding and communication of the musical idiom of the composer.

Mr. Buono continues to direct the Bradshaw & Buono Conservatory, while supervising music schools in Italy and Japan.  He is Artistic Director of the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition, and a frequent collaborator with vocalists and instrumentalists for recitals.  He also serves as Executive Director of The Alexander & Buono Festival of Music in Abano Terme, Italy, which has been helping artists hone and perfect their performance skills for more than twenty years.

Having begun the Barry Alexander International Vocal Competition in 2008, last year he launched the Alexander & Buono International String Competition, which had its inaugural Winners’ Recital in November. Combining the three competitions under one non-profit entity known as The Alexander & Buono Competitions or ABC, he continues to help sustain the careers of classical artists throughout the world.