"One of the most outstanding composers of his generation"
Matias Nespolo, El Mundo
COMPOSER
"Full of energy and lyricism"
The Hartford Courant
"Stunning sonic ideas"
Jazz Corner
Italian-American composer Raphael Fusco has been hailed by the international press as “one of the most outstanding composers of his generation (El Mundo)” and “accomplished and winning (The New York Times).”
His genre-crossing compositions for voice, chamber ensembles, orchestra, and theater are performed by leading artists across the world in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Kimmel Center Philadelphia, St. Bavo Kerk Haarlem, Casa Milà and the Église de Saint Séverin in Paris. Raphael Fusco has written commissioned works for artists and ensembles such as GRAMMY Award winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis, Barbara Dever, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Cecilia Chorus of New York and members of the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera Orchestras. In 2019 Raphael Fusco released his debut album REMIXED featuring original compositions for solo piano praised for their “stunning sonic ideas (Jazz Corner).” In July 2021 he conducted the premiere of his first opera inSOMNIA at the Opernfestival Oberpfalz in Amberg, Germany (“a multifaceted, atmospheric sound-painting” Mittelbayerische Zeitung) and will conduct the premiere of his second opera Der Telefonist - De Mörder to Middernacht at the Forum Neue Kunst in Oldenburg in October of the same year. Mr. Fusco has received awards from the NATS Art Song Competition, American Prize for Music, Aliénor International Harpsichord Competition, Padre Martini Fugue Award, Bohuslav Martinū Composition Award, as well as grants from the National Italian American Foundation and Exploring the Metropolis.
Raphael studied composition, piano, and conducting at the Mannes College of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Conservatorio G. Verdi di Torino, Vienna Konservatorium, and Paris Schola Cantorum. He has taught composition, music theory and ear training at Seton Hall University and Mannes College of Music. Since 2019 Raphael Fusco has served as Senior Artist in the Institute for music theater at the University for Performing Arts in Graz, Austria where he is pursuing a doctoral degree in composition. A passionate educator, he regularly gives masterclasses and lectures and teaches on the faculties of Opera Lucca Festival and Classic Lyric Arts Festival in Italy.
Keyboardist
"A lively player and fine improviser"
Mark Swed - Los Angeles Times
Raphael Fusco is an award-winning pianist, harpsichordist, and organist active throughout the United States and Europe. He has performed with world-class artists and ensembles including Branford Marsalis, Daniel Rowland, American Ballet Theatre, Martha Graham Dance Company, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Gotham Chamber Opera, and members of the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera Orchestras. He has appeared in renowned venues throughout the US and Europe such as Carnegie Hall, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Le Poisson Rouge, The Kimmel Center, Detroit Institute of Arts, Tuscia Opera Festival (IT), Teatro degli Astrusi (IT), and St. Bavo Church (NL).
In 2015 and 2013 the Piccola Academia di Montisi awarded Raphael two artist residencies where he had the rare opportunity to study and compose on one of world's finest collections of antique keyboard instruments. He is a founding member of the period instrument consort Corelli Collective and the Thum-Fusco Piano Duo. He is the former principal organist at the historic Convent Avenue Baptist Church in New York City.
Mr. Fusco has served on the piano, music history and chamber music faculties of Seton Hall University, Mahanaim College and Turtle Bay Music School. He is currently a Senior Artist on the faculty of the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Graz, Austria.
CONDUCTOR
"Fusco led the orchestra with verve and precision."
Zachary Wolf - The New York Times
Raphael Fusco has conducted opera productions throughout the United States and Europe including New Opera NYC's Armida, Morning Side Opera's Die Zauberflöte, the US premiere of Hans Eisler's Die Mutter at Boston University, Company XIV's La fête, the world premiere of Stefania de Kennessy's Bonfire of the Vanities and productions of Don Giovanni, Le nozze di Figaro, il Barbiere di Siviglia, Die Fledermaus, Rigoletto and Tosca at the Amato Opera. He has also appeared as guest conductor at Teatro Grattacielo, Harlem Opera Theater, Bachanalia Festival Orchestra, Oregon Bach Festival, and Siena Summer Music Festival.
From its first reading in 2010 to its 2017 Off-Broadway revival, Raphael has served as music director of ¡Figaro 90210!, a critically acclaimed modern adaptation of Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro by Vid Guerrerio. Since its selection as one of the top 10 opera productions of 2013 by The Observer, the show has enjoyed continuous praise from critics and audiences alike.
UPCOMING EVENTS
REMIXED
Classical structures, Jazz harmonies, Rock grooves, and lyric melodies bridge contemporary music to the past in Raphael Fusco's debut Album "Remixed."
The album features world premiere recordings of Fusco's award-winning compositions for solo piano, including Remixes on a Theme by Händel, Nouvelles Pieces de Clavecin, On Solid Ground, and Three Chorales.
"Highly emotional, with soothing phrasing and stunning sonic ideas" - JazzCorner
"Baroque and modern so adeptly connected....Modern music celebrated with a frenetic ovation."
- Rheinische Post
"Fusco can do it all, from whisper quiet to percussive and lush, allowing the sound to truly take flight.
-All About Jazz
