Antonio Madruga

Antonio Madruga was born on July 2,1994 in Pembroke Pines, Florida to the marital union of Omar Madruga and Cora Bencomo-Madruga. His father, a Cuban immigrant, came to the United States at age 10 and grew up in New York. His mother, a descendant of Cuban parents, was born in Illinois but grew up in South Florida.

Antonio, or “ Tony” as he is known by many, has grown up in a home environment where music is appreciated. His father played the trumpet during his youth and is a music enthusiast, particularly of Jazz. His mother, who does not have a musical background, is also a music lover and prenatally exposed Tony to Classical, Jazz and Rhythm & Blues by placing headphones on her abdomen for many hours daily. She enjoys reading and writing poetry and exposes Tony to this other art form.

From age three, Tony began to demonstrate a keen ear for music as he is adept at playing this way. However, he began formal piano lessons at age five. It is evident that Tony possesses a passion for Jazz and loves to “Jazz up” any song regardless of its genre.

At age six, he began to attend the Keyboard for Kids program at the University of Miami for instruction in Jazz and Classical studies and participates in their pre-college recitals. Tony’s teacher, Hugh Gonglewski, recognized his talent and offered to also provide him with private lessons which have been instrumental in Tony’s musical development.

At age eight, Tony began to participate in local talent events where he has earned various awards and recognition such as the 2004 South Florida Fair Starz of the Future first prize place for a Jazz piano solo. He was also selected as a contestant to appear in the NBC’s Americas Most Talented Kid program in the summer of 2003, but the show was cancelled for that season. Tony was chosen as the only American to participate in the 2004 international talent competition Premios Veo Veo in Spain which was televised world-wide. Tony has also performed in many different public venues such as the 2004 Cocoa Beach Jazz Festival and the 2003 and 2004 Fete de la Musique Festivals in South Florida.

In the latter part of 2004, Tony was fortunate to have met Giselle Brodsky, Artistic Director and Founder of the Miami International Piano Festival and Founder of the Patrons of Exceptional Artists who is teaching him the Taubman approach which has made a marked difference in Tony’s performance ability and style. To her credit, Tony has gained a greater appreciation of Classical music and looks forward to participating in future musical events under her direction.

He is also currently studying Jazz with Conductor/Pianist William Noll.

Tony is greatly influenced by Jazz Greats such as Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, Bebo and Chuchu Valdez. However, with his new found passion for Classical music, the works of Chopin and Bach are among his favorite.

Tony Madruga, will make his debut at the Discovery Series on May 13, 2006.