Italian-American composer, keyboardist, and conductor Raphael Fusco has been hailed by the international press as “accomplished and winning" (The New York Times) and “one of the most outstanding composers of his generation" (El Mundo).
His genre-crossing compositions for voice, chamber ensembles, orchestra, and theater engage audiences with soaring melodies, energetic rhythms, colorful harmonies, and rich textures. He has collaborated with leading artists and ensembles such as GRAMMY Award winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, American Ballet Theater, Martha Graham Dance Company and members of the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera Orchestras in prestigious venues across the world.
As an artistic-researcher, Raphael's work investigates expressive agency and empathy in vocal composition. His interdisciplinary research synthesizes concepts from linguistics, performance practice, aesthetics and psychology to explore the expressive power of song.
Raphael's music is published by Verlag Ries & Erler in Berlin, Universal Edition Vienna, Hinshaw Music in the USA, and Prima La Musica in London.
“One of the most outstanding composers of his generation.”
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Featured Compositions
Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-up
Lyrics by Caitlin Vincent Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up offers an honest look at the ups and downs of sharing a space as a young couple. From choosing paint colors and dealing with each other's annoying quirks to managing cooking disasters and celebrating awkward birthdays, this collection captures the real moments of everyday life. Ultimately, it shows that true happiness lies in the simple act of cuddling up on the couch after a long day, embracing both the challenges and joys of love.
Un'alma innamorata
Un’alma innamorata (“A soul in love”) is a cantata for counter-tenor and baroque ensemble on an 18th-century text attributed to Abbé Francesco Mazziotti originally set by G. F.Handel. The piece fuses Jazz, Blues, Spirituals and Neapolitan Song with Baroque structures to relate the timeless message of an anonymous lover who comes to terms with the pains of their fidelity. In the end the moral of the story: “He who wishes to delight in love must first learn how one goes about loving.”
Quarantine Camp
A cycle of six songs on poems by Ryan Vine which explore the surreal experience of life under lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. *Awarded 2nd Prize in the 2023 NATS Art Song Composition Competition
An American Requiem
Written after a series of mass shootings throughout the United States, and revised during the COVID-19 pandemic, this powerful oratorio fuses different styles from Gospel and Blues to Renaissance counterpoint and Romanticism. This original adaptation of the traditional Requiem text in English offers a message of hope and salvation for dark times.
inSOMNIA
This sensational chamber opera draws the audience into an imaginary realm, blurring the line between dreams and reality.
Le parole dei mesi
A madrigal for SATB choir a cappella on a text by Tonino Guerra which captures the sounds, scents, and tastes of the Italian countryside
“A lively player and fine improviser.”
Calendar
February 3-6, 2025
Masterclasses in Strasbourg
Raphael will work with the students of the Conservatoire de Strasbourg to prepare a performance of English art song. The program will include the French premieres of his "Quarantine Camp," "Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-up" and arias from "An American Requiem" among other works.
June 4-21, 2025
Composers Institute at Opera Lucca
Opera Lucca hosts a two-week composition program focused on writing for operatic voices and text setting. The dates are June 7th (check-in) to 22nd (check-out), 2025. Three-week and four-week options may be available by arrangement. Students will compose new vocal works in consultation with composition faculty and bring any vocal works in progress for refinement. Composers will attend individual composition lessons with Professor Fusco; composition seminars; scene and musical rehearsals, vocal coachings, and masterclasses to learn about the voice.
June 22, 2025
Cincinnati Song Initiative
Join the Cincinnati Song Initiative as it presents the world premieres of twelve newly commissioned songs, created by the talented composers of the 2023-2024 National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Composer Mentorship Program.
As part of this prestigious program, Raphael has been selected to collaborate with renowned composer Scott Wheeler, culminating in the debut of a unique, original song written just for this occasion. Celebrate new music, emerging talent, and the power of mentorship in this extraordinary online performance!
This digital concert will be available to stream for free beginning June 22, 2025 at 3:00pm EST.
July 14-18, 2025
ICCI
Raphael joins the faculty of the International Choral Composers Institute as Composer-in-Residence. This program will be in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Levine Conference Center from July 14-18, 2025. Classes will be during the day from 9-5 (EDT), and evenings will be reserved for composing, socializing/collaborating with other composers, and dining. A virtual option is also being offered.
The free, final concert including select music by participants and our headlining composers-in-residence will take place on Friday, July 18 at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) Transportation to this venue will be provided by ICCI.
“Fusco led the orchestra with verve and precision.”
Un'alma innamorata
The cantata fuses Jazz, Blues, Spirituals and Neapolitan Song with Baroque textures and structures to relate the timeless message of an anonymous lover who comes to terms with the pains of their fidelity. In the end the moral of the story: “He who wishes to enjoy life must first learn how to love.”
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