I Musici (pronounced ee-MOOZ-ee-chee) formed in 1952 in Rome and has spent half a century recording, performing and touring the world. One of the founders still performs with the group today. The group has sold millions of recordings and has been awarded many prestigious prizes, including the Grand Priz de l'Académie Charles Cros and the Grand Prix International du Disque.

I Musici translates as "The Musicians" in 18th century Italian, indicating individuality and independence. Each member brings to the group a soloist's perspective performed in a collaborative spirit. Technical and interpretive questions are answered as a group and the result is rich with spontaneous interpretation.

"When we arrive to a unanimous solution, then the music is flowing very, very smoothly, and easier, and everybody is happy," he said. "It's like a family. We try to go on and to reach a solution without a big discussion and without wars, so it flows like a river."

I Musici performs popular chamber works from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, interpreting the pieces with respect for the style and nuances of each composer.

I Musici's one-night-only performance in Juneau will feature Rossini's "Sonata in G Major," Mozart's "Piano Concerto No. 12 in A Major, K.414," "Rondo" from "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K.525," Piazolla's "Libertango," as well as pieces by Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Boccherini and other Italian composers.

"In Juneau we will play 'Mozart Piano Concerto in A Major.' And this we play specially because this year is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart," Buccarella said. "And so this is a piece, which we have put in the program as a homage to Mozart. We are waiting to see what will come out in Juneau with I Musici, Juneau and Mozart. It is a triangle that we have to melt together and make it successful."

I Musici's American tour includes performances in Florida, Las Vegas, and Tacoma, Wash., before coming to Alaska. This year the group has already performed in China and Korea and will conclude its tour in Budapest, Hungary, Buccarella said.

"We are eager to know and to see Alaska. It's a fantastic country for us, for Italians, you know," Buccarella said. "It is exactly the opposite of what Italy is. So we are very eager to know Alaska, and we know that people there are waiting for us - not only to listen to I Musici, but also to ... show the beauty of Alaska. And so this makes this tour particularly interesting."