Saint-Leonard News

Giancarlo Scalia comes from a family of musicians. His father was a drummer back in native Italy and his brother plays the electric guitar. But for this young 15 year-old man, only the piano and classical music exists. (Photo : Julie Bonin)

Article mis en ligne le: 13.07.2005

At 15, Giancarlo Scalia's idols could have been Fifty Cent, K'maro or Green Day, all of which are among todays most successful contemporary musical groups. Although he obviously knows these groups, they don't even come close to being in his top ten favourites. Ask this young Saint-Leonard music lover who he thinks is the best musician of his time, and the answer will be Frederic Chopin.

Like Chopin, Giancarlo Scalia lives for the piano. In fact, this young man has just completed an album which can be found at Archambault among the stores preferred and best promoted compilations. The album contains 14 arrangements, all his own creation. Self described as a lover of the arts in all its forms, Giancarlo Scalia named his album "Sogno D'Amore", a tribute to Liebestraum.

"I played the flute for a few years in primary school like most, explained the adolescent. Music was pretty much limitted to the flute until the Christmas holidays, 10 years ago. Then, my parents offered me an electronic keyboard and that is when I started to play. It was so spontaneous for me."

Because his parents immediately noticed his love for music, Giancarlo has been attending the best music schools and playing ever since. Today, the young man attends Laurier-Macdonald High School on a full time basis while completing his second year of music college at McGill University. If he is not one of the youngest in the group, he is certainly one of the youngest to attend the university.

"I love music and concerts, and I love composing, be it for piano or for orchestras. Music is my life and I hope to have a successfull career in music that will allow me to live from my art."

This music lover practices over eight hours a day. During the summer, he has the luxury of playing alone and for as long as he wants. When the school year starts, the must also attend regular school and reduces his practice hours down to three per day, "except on weekends", he added with a sparkle in his eyes and states with joy that he loves being at his piano.

To compose "Sogno D'Amore", it took Giancarlo Scalia three years. Three years during which he thought of nothing other than playing in a concert. His dream came true two years ago in his school. Since then he has worked hard so as to offer a concert to the general public, which will take place this coming August 6th at the Theatre Mirella et Lino Saputo du Centre Leonardo da Vinci.

"I am really looking forward to that date because I want people to finally hear what has been going through my mind musically for so many years!"

Those interested for tickets can call the center at 514-955-8541. Giancarlo also has a web site, the address is www.giancarloscalia.com .