An all-star assemblage of award-winning instrumentalists, the Accademia Amiata Ensemble has brought a mastery to the neo-impressionistic chamber music of Italy. The group, which features saxophonists Marco Falaschi and Roberto Frati and pianist Ettore Candela, has specialized in interpreting the compositions of late tango accordionist Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) and Swiss composer Thomas Fortmann. Veterans of Italy's chamber music scene, FalaschI, Frati, and Candela have won numerous national and international awards and placed first in major competitions in Stresa and Ancona. Conservatory honor graduates FalaschI and FratI have worked as soloists for Maggio Musicale Florentino, the Scala Orchestra in Milan, and the RAI in Torino and Napoli. All three musicians continue to teach at conservatories in Mantova and Florence. ~ Craig Harris, Rovi