"Art Tatum could play anything he wanted to...Oscar [Peterson] is my man...and Peter Nero plays his buns off!""
- Ray Charles
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"He is a one of a kind artist."
- Mel Torme
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"He has the qualities of a born pianist..."
- Vladamir Horowitz
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"Nero is a polished, skillful and imaginative pianist with taste and a sense of humor."
- New York Times
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"The epitome of the Pops Conductor/Performer."
- The Washington Post
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"Peter Nero is, of course, known for his piano playing, covering a range from classical concert repertoire to straight-ahead jazz. His fingers stretch as far as Tatum's, and he practically knows no limits on the Steinway. He is also a fine conductor...Philadelphia is lucky to have him and his, by now, trademark Philly Pops."
Peter Nero: The Laughter and The Challenges
Peter was recently interviewed by All About Jazz. In the interview Peter discusses the early days of his career, working with people like Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Billy Taylor, Marian McPartland, and more. This one is definitely worth the read.
Celebrate the Holidays with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops
Each year Peter Nero and the Philly Pops play a series of Holiday concerts to sold out audiences. This year, 285 performers join Peter as a full chorus, boy's choir, gospel choir, organist, and Broadway singer Lauren Kennedy, help Peter and the Pops celebrate the Holidays. This eclectic program features such a wide variety of music that will make this Holiday season a memorable one for all who attend. There is still time to experience this unbelievable concert.
Peter Nero To Be Special Guest at Mario Lanza Ball
On Sunday November 1st, acclaimed pianist and conductor Peter Nero, will join other luminaries as a special guest. Maestro Nero will be presenting a series of four concerts at the Kimmel Center in April of 2010 in memory of the Great Tenor. At the Ball he will be joined by noted soprano Elaine Malbin who will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies and internationally renowned tenor Giuseppe Taormina at the DoubleTree Hotel on Broad Street to pay tribute to legendary Mario Lanza in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of his passing. The event which is actually an entire weekend of festivities, is a fundraiser conducted by the Mario Lanza Institute to help perpetuate Lanza’s dream of aiding young aspiring opera singers through scholarships. To date the Institute has awarded over 230 scholarships with recent winners including Joyce DiDonato, Juan Diego Florez, and James Valenti.
Peter Nero Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) will present Philly Pops Artistic Director Peter Nero with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Philly Pops concert at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia on October 7, 2009. In addition, the Philadelphia Musicians Union (AFM Local 77) will honor him with an Honorary Lifetime Membership Award.
An AFM member since 1951, a world class pianist, and the founding Artistic Director and Conductor of the Philly Pops since 1979, Nero has been a major source of inspiration for musicians and music listeners for over fifty years. A two time Grammy Award winner, Nero has appeared on numerous recordings throughout his distinguished career, collaborating with artists including Mel Torme, Doc Severinsen and Rod Stewart. He has made numerous television appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and many PBS programs.
AFM International President Thomas F. Lee notes, "Peter Nero's commitment to the AFM for fifty-eight years and his lifelong dedication to excellence in music deserve the highest recognition. Peter has always exhibited the greatest respect for the musicians who have worked with him, which has earned him a stellar reputation. It is our privilege to present Peter Nero with the AFM Lifetime Achievement Award and wish him the very best for many years of music making ahead."
Peter and The POPS return to The Mann Center for the Performing Arts for an evening of music under the stars (July 22). The Best of Bernstein and the Riches of Rodgers celebrates the music of two of the most successful and celebrated composers of the 20th century, Leonard Bernstein and Richard Rodgers. These legendary composers each accomplished a rare musical feat-they captured their time and became iconic voices of their ages like no other. Now, Peter Nero has created a special evening honoring these two musical legends with selections from Candide, South Pacific, The King and I, Oklahoma, and more. As a special bonus, concertgoers will also be treated to songs and orchestrations of works of another legendary composer-Andrew Lloyd Webber!
Peter Nero has quite a growing presence on YouTube. Click the graphic above to see videos of Peter Nero.
Check out a young Peter Nero in this brodcast of the Bell Telephone Hour. Selections include "Just One of those Things," "It's Alright With Me," "Night and Day" and more.
