Andre Feriante

World traveled and studied, Feriante has simply mastered the art of fingered guitar. After over twenty years of performing and recording, award-winning virtuoso guitarist Andre Feriante has left his musical mark on the classical, world music and fusion scenes. A cross-over artist in the vein of Yo Yo Ma or sting, his performance program represents a bold but fluid musical fusion, featuring music from Bach to Leonard Cohen, flamenco improvisation to jazz standards, and even poetry by Federico Garcia Lorca, Rumi and Feriante himself.

Born in Naples, Italy , Feriante spent his formative years between Southern Italy and Manziana, a village outside of Rome. At age nine he announced his intention to be a flamenco guitarist. He worked and saved to buy his first instrument, then at age thirteen, he began studying at the Overseas School of Rome. By the time he was sixteen, Feriante was already performing the works of Bach, Vivaldi, Albeniz and Scarlatti. By the age of eighteen he had launched his musical career, playing concerts in Rome , Berlin, North and South America. He continued his studies with world-renowned classical guitarist Andres Segovia and Jose Tomas (Segovias assistant) in Madrid, Henry Revas in Bogota, Columbia, and Leon Atkinson in New York.

Since moving to Seattle in the 1980s, Feriante has established himself as a Northwest favorite, Having performed throughout the Puget Sound area in public and private concerts for a virtual "Who's Who of Seattle." His Music has been featured on "Hearts of space", the #2 music program on NPR.

Besides his much anticipated annual performance at Benaroya Hall, Feriante has played a wide variety of venues including the King Cat Theatre ( where he opened for Olita Adams and DavidBenoit) , the Frye Art Museum, The Paramount Theater, and Key Arena where he performed the National Anthem for the Seattle Supersonics. Feriante also performed with the Northwest Symphony at Benaroya Hall with Heart and Alice in Chains.

Festival appearances include the Mui Music Festival, Seattle Folklife Festival, Seattle Hempfest and Bumbershoot. Feriante headlined at "La Festa di Manziana" in Rome. He makes regular appearances on Seattle radio and television and was featured on the Classic King FM Compilation Natural Symphony CD, as well as on the Tigerbreath label with Ottmar Liebert,Craig Chaquico and others. He also played at Javeriana University in Bogota, Columbia and for Jose Carreras at special fundraising receptions at Carnege Hall and Benaroya Hall to benefit Jose Carreras Leukemia Foundation.

Feriante's First seven albums have consistently charted within the top ten, and his "bohemian Boulevard", debuted at # 1 on the world and ambient radio charts. It remained in the top 20 for five months and then went on to win "Best World Album" in the New Age Reporter's 2006 Lifestyle Awards.

Feriante recently released his eighth cd, a limited edition , "Best of Feriante," celebrating his tenth year anniversary Valentine show at Benaroya Hall. On February 13th, 2009, Feriante will release his ninth cd, " Anatomy de la Luna" a compilation of his originalpoetry and music, at a special Benaroya Hall concert.

A seasoned, expressive performer whos style is as elegant as it is conversational. Feriante's innovative and effortless style appeals to any ear with a love and passion for music. He has dedicated his life to his art, and his ability to communicate through sound never fails to lead his audience on an emotional journey that is as deeply personal as it is universal.