Apr 10, 2008 8:49 pm US/Eastern
Once In A Lifetime: NY Man Performs For The Pope
Westchester Pianist Played For Pontiff In Rome
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Pope Benedict XVI's historic New York City visit has millions excited about the prospect of seeing the pontiff up close. One Westchester man has already enjoyed that precious honor. On Thursday, he shared his experience with CBS 2.
In his Harrison home, Peirluigi Sampietro played Bach for a humble audience of two; A far cry from his December concert in Rome, for who else but the pontiff himself.
"He is the most humble priest you'll ever meet in your life," said Sampietro.
Since the age of 6, Sampietro's fingers have been tickling the ivories. For most of his career, he made albums and toured the world. But in 2004, he decided to only play for free and sheer pleasure.
And then, a chance meeting with the former Bishop of Genoa changed his life forever.
"He said, you have to come to Rome and play for the pope," he said.
Two years later, Sampietro found himself in front of a massive crowd, with the pope's utmost attention. The experience was so amazing he says, it moves him to tears.
"I get very emotional. You see a man, he is a man, he is so humble. You cannot believe he is the pope," said a tearful Sampietro.
Having played in front of thousands of people, Sampietro has never gotten nervous in front of big crowds, until he performed for the pope.
"Emotion, tremendous emotion the first time. My hand trembled out of control," said Sampietro.
After the first piece of Bach, Sampietro finally began to relax. But not once did he forget he was playing for Pope Benedict XVI, a fellow musician himself.
"I kiss his hand and I genuflect and at that point, he almost raises me because I have a problem with my knee. He says to me, 'Salzberg, come back again for Salzberg,'" said Sampietro.
In October that's where the life long pianist is headed. Sampietro will perform a concert in Salzburg, most likely before the pope again.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
2009 Celebrity Deaths, July-Dec.
Click to enlarge
Ellis Island Expected To Reopen Sunday 44 mins ago 
Stumble It!
