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RICHARD SCOFANO'S BIO

A superlative master of the bandoneón, Richard Scofano was born in Paso de los Libres, Argentina. Descendant of three generations of bandoneón players, Scofano is considered one of today’s most important bandoneonists. Beyond his recognized stunning virtuosity at his instrument, Scofano is also an accomplished composer (creator of the New Chamamé), arranger, producer and musical director.

He began his studies at the age of five, with his father Ricardo Scofano, a living legend in the Argentine musical genre of Chamamé. Scofano grew up in an environment surrounded by music and folkloric traditions and, thanks to the support of his family, quickly became an expert and an authority in both Chamamé and Tango. At the age of fifteen, he graduated as Master of Music. At eighteen, he was named the first bandoneonist at the Folkloric Orchestra of Corrientes.

Scofano always nurtured interest for the music of neighboring countries Paraguay and Brazil, and is passionate about the study of European classical traditions. In 2015, he wrote the score for This is Tango Now’s production of Carmen de Buenos Aires, a 90-minute work inspired on the music of G. Bizet. In October 2016, Scofano premiered his Concerto for Bandoneón and Orchestra, the IBERÁ, with the Oistrakh Symphony Orchestra of Chicago under conductor Mina Zikri. At the same time, he released the CD ESTACIONES, with original compositions interpreted by Duo Scofano Minetti. On this recording, Scofano debuts his original style of ‘Nuevo Chamamé’.

With over thirty years of professional work, Scofano has taken his music literally throughout the world and is held in high esteem by fellow musicians and audiences alike.

“Grandson of bandoneonist Pepito Scofano and son of Chamamé legend Ricardo Scofano, Richard grew up in the midst of it all. Richard’s artistry is a testimony to Scofano’s mastering of the genre, to his musical craft, and to his ability to combine both through an exceptional creative genius, proposing a new way to present his traditional music. It is a demonstration of his unconditional love for the traditions celebrated in the rich history of the peoples, lands, and rivers who lent their hearts, souls, rhythms and cycles to the Chamamé.” – Alfredo Minetti

“…in the presence of Richard Scofano’s talent, we feel that we are facing a pure experience, a tango with open veins…since he, with his bandoneón, doesn’t interpret the tango, he interprets the secret codes embedded in tango. Precisely because of that, I claim that Scofano is unique in the world.” – Prensa Recinto Universitário de Mayagüez, Puerto Rico