COMPOSER
In his music Raphael Fusco fuses harmonies and rhythms of Jazz and Pop music with gestures and techniques of the Baroque and Classical eras. His catalog includes over 200 pieces of vocal, chamber, theater and orchestral music increasingly performed by some of the world's leading artists and ensembles.
His work has been met with praise in prestigious concert halls and churches throughout the US and Europe including Carnegie Hall (NY), The Kimmel Center (PA), Casa Milà (SP), Teatro degli Astrusi (IT), St. Bavo Church (NL), Eglise de Saint Séverin (FR) and many others. Commissions and collaborations include Branford Marsalis, Barbara Dever, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York Repertory Orchestra, Cecilia Chorus of New York, I Cantori New York, Los Percussiones de Barcelona and members of the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera Orchestras. He has received awards from NATS Art Song Competition, American Prize for Music, Aliénor International Harpsichord Competition, Padre Martini Fugue Award, Bohuslav Martinu Composition Award, as well as grants from the National Italian American Federation and Exploring the Metropolis.
Mr. Fusco has served as Composer-in-Residence of Empire Chamber Orchestra, Bachanalia Festival Orchestra, and Turtle Bay Music School. He has taught at Seton Hall University, Mannes College of Music, and Mahanaim College. He holds a Master's degree from Mannes College of Music and completed studies in piano, composition and conducting at the Conservatorio G. Verdi di Torino, Vienna Konservatorium, and Paris Schola Cantorum. His music is published by Verlag Ries & Erler.
"A splendid piece, a mature and wise piece. Wonderful."
Jean Ballard Terepka - Theater Scene
"A high level of energy and lyricism"
Matthew Erickson - Hartford Courant
"One of the most outstanding composers of his generation"
Matias Nespolo - El Mundo
KEYBOARDIST
KEYBOARDIST
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.
"A lively player and fine improviser"
Mark Swed - Los Angeles Times
"Accomplished and winning"
James Oestreich - The New York Times
"Fusco played with light touch and sensitivity"
Anthony Tommasini -The New York Times
"A lively player and fine improviser"
Mark Swed - Los Angeles Times
"Accomplished and winning"
James Oestreich - The New York Times
"Fusco played with light touch and sensitivity"
Anthony Tommasini -The New York Times
CONDUCTOR
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.
"Fusco led the orchestra with verve and precision."
Zachary Wolf - The New York Times
"Figaro 90210 is hands-down the best opera update I've seen."
Plácido Domingo
"The orchestra was conducted perfectly. Fusco managed to keep the score well balanced, precise and joyful."
The Culture News
"Music director Raphael Fusco miraculously negotiated the many tempo changes without a hitch."
James Jordon - The New York Post