SHE comes from one of Co Donegal’s most famous families – and now Nadene Fiorentini has spread that fame a great deal wider after being named Ireland’s best pianist.
The 23-year-old from Greencastle is from an Irish-Italian family renowned for its delicious ice-cream and glorious fish and chips.
Nadene represented her country this week at the 25th International Dublin Piano Competition – one of the top five contests in the world.
And although she failed to make to the latter stages of the event, she was the best placed Irish pianist.
That honour came with a great prize – the chance to continue her studies.
“I won the 2012 competition’s Brennan Prize, and the McCullough bursary, which supports me in further studies and funds the recording of a CD. The prize is awarded to the best-placed Irish participant,” said Nadene.
“I’m just so proud to represent my country and I’m happy for my teachers.
“Being able to perform in front of these prestigious judges. When my name was announced that I’d be going through to the second round, I was over the moon. When I played, I just tried my best to enjoy it.”
Nadene was first taught how to play by her great aunt Giovanna Fiorentini at her home in Greencastle, Co Donegal.
Her grandfather, Ignatius Fiorentini, had moved from Italy to Derry at the age of 11 – later setting up an Italian ice cream and fish and chip shop – with an outlet in Moville.
The former Cardonagh Community School completed all grades in piano before going to do a degree in musical performance followed by a masters in the subject with the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin.
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