Internationally acclaimed Italian pianist and composer Cristiana Pegoraro captured the spirit of her candlelight concert at Carnegie Hall on November 19, 2025. Presented by the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations, Armonie di Pace, A Universal Path to Peace, unfolded as a contemplative journey that invited emotional connection and reflection through music.
Blending masterpieces by Bach, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Schubert, and Rossini with her own original compositions, Pegoraro crafted a narrative that honored peace as a universal language. Distinguished guests included Ambassador of Italy to the UN Maurizio Massari, Apostolic Nuncio, Mons. Gabriele Caccia, UN singer Mark Anthony, Marzia Bortolin, Alcide DeGaetano and the UNICEF Team including Elizabeth Case and Alex Antoine.
In a La Media New York exclusive, Ms. Pegoraro shares, “Playing at Carnegie Hall is always exciting and particularly because of the program Armonie di Pace presented this year. This unique and evocative musical experience is a tribute to peace and harmony through a musical journey of immortal pieces—from classical music to opera, to pop. It is accompanied by my inspiring stories to evoke emotions and reflections, which is something we need so much of at this present moment!”
Pegoraro’s influence reaches far beyond the concert stage. As Founder, President, and Artistic Director of the Narnia Arts Academy and the Narnia Festival, she has created an international hub for artistic excellence, nurturing young performers while spotlighting Italy’s cultural traditions. Her teaching career includes work at The Juilliard School, and her artistic achievements have made history. Pegoraro is the first Italian woman to perform all 32 Beethoven Piano Sonatas and one of the few pianists worldwide to perform all five Beethoven Piano Concertos in a single day. She is also the first Italian female pianist to present classical concerts in Bahrain, Yemen, and Oman.
Her performances have graced prestigious global stages, including appearances for President Sergio Mattarella, and she performed at the United Nations during Italy’s 70th anniversary celebration. Another recent honor came in Washington during Italian Design Week, where she received the Champion in Piano Virtuoso Award in the presence of the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Marco Peronaci.
Pegoraro’s impact in New York has also been significant. Under her artistic direction, and through the leadership of former Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of New York, Fabio Finotti, the Institute acquired a Backshtein Hoefman piano, whose inauguration was entrusted to Pegoraro. In doing so, she left a timeless imprint within the Institute’s walls, reflecting her commitment to cultural excellence.
Her humanitarian spirit is constantly present in her artistry. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, when isolation shadowed much of the world, Pegoraro’s music echoed across Italy, offering comfort and stability. Research consistently shows that classical music reduces stress and anxiety therefore her emotionally resonant performances became a meaningful source of solace. Her empathy has deep roots: she once recalled on social media that as a child, “her dream was to have a garden where she could gather animals, protect them, and care for them.” That innate sense of compassion continues to guide her humanitarian work as Ambassador of UNICEF, Amnesty International, and the World Food Program.
After the performance, guests gathered at the Urbani Truffle Lab for an exclusive celebration of Italian artistry, music, and culinary culture. Pegoraro shared a final reflection with us: “After more than fifteen years performing in this famed American music temple, the evening felt like a contemplative journey inviting emotional connection and reflection.” More than a concert, the night became a reminder of the unifying power of music—its ability to soothe, uplift, and connect us with the deeper rhythms of our shared humanity.
